Utah Man Charged Over Alleged Synagogue Bomb Threat; Six Pipe Bombs Found at His Home

A man in Utah, in the United States, has been charged with multiple federal offences, including attempting to commit a hate crime, after allegedly threatening to blow up a synagogue. Six pipe bombs were found in a search of his home, officials say.

The accused man is Skyler AJ Rose, 22, of Ogden. A federal grand jury indicted him on Wednesday on multiple federal charges.

According to the US Attorney's Office for the District of Utah, the charges include possession of an unregistered destructive device, threatening to kill or injure people and destroy a building with an explosive, and attempting to commit a hate crime, among other offences.

On December 23, 2025, Rose allegedly made multiple threatening posts on social media, according to court documents. One post read that he wanted to blow up a synagogue, prosecutors say.

After an investigation was launched, authorities learned the posts were made from an IP address tracing back to Rose's home. The FBI then contacted the Ogden City Police Department to assist, and in a home visit authorities confirmed the social media handle belonged to Rose.

Investigators executed a search warrant and recovered six improvised explosive pipe bombs and one inert device. They also found explosive precursors and components that could be used to construct further pipe bombs, prosecutors said.

A black Samsung cellphone and two rifles with accompanying magazines and ammunition were also recovered in the search, prosecutors said.

A subsequent search of Rose's cellphone revealed that in November 2025 he had searched online for a synagogue near him. Investigators treated that as an indication of preparation behind the threat.

US Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah said in a statement that there is no place for hate-motivated violence — attempts or otherwise — in communities, and that a place of worship should be a refuge of safety, not fear. Thanks to the FBI and local police partners, the alleged threats were identified and stopped before anyone was harmed, she said.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said the indictment stops in its tracks an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack on a synagogue. The Department of Justice will take decisive action to protect American worshippers from violent threats, she said.

Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI said no one should have to fear for their safety because of their faith. Every person deserves to worship freely, without threats, intimidation or fear, and swift collaboration with law enforcement partners addressed the threat, he said.

The investigation also allegedly revealed evidence of child sexual abuse material on Rose's cellphone, including hundreds of cached images and screenshots, according to prosecutors. Rose was also indicted on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography.

Rose's initial appearance is scheduled for October 23 in federal court in Salt Lake City. The formal court process in this case will move forward through that hearing.