LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — A Lexington woman is facing charges after allegedly plotting to murder congregants at a Texas synagogue, according to Davidson County warrants.
On Wednesday, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, on two counts of felony conspiracy. According to warrants, the charges are for conspiring to commit murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. She is also facing charges out of Texas.
She was initially given no bond but received a $10 million secured bond during her hearing on Wednesday.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Charlotte Field Office received information on Tuesday that Hicks “was believed to be targeting members of the Jewish Community for a potential act of violence,” according to a Davidson County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Law enforcement responded to Hicks’ home and found evidence “showing Hicks and co-conspirators were planning a mass-casualty event” at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, Texas. Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in Texas.
Hicks allegedly conspired with two men referred to as “Teegan” and “Angel,” whose last names are currently unknown, to commit murder against members of the synagogue, according to warrants.
The Houston Chronicle cites a court order that stated, “The conspiracy is to kill as many Jews as possible by driving through a congregation at a synagogue.”
The attack was allegedly planned for April 21, 2028, about two years from now, warrants say.
“The date doesn’t reflect the entirety of the evidence and shouldn’t be interpreted to mean the contemplated acts were not imminent,” said District Attorney Garry Frank’s Office, which covers North Carolina Prosecutorial District 33.
Frank added that the investigation is unfolding across three states and includes the federal government.
Hicks’ father speaks
Hicks’ father spoke to FOX8 after her arrest, describing the charges as “fabricated” and “way over the top.”
He says Hicks was playing a dark online fantasy game and described her as a “good kid” who was set to graduate in two weeks. She does not have a vehicle or a driver’s license.
“We miss her and we’re sick over this mess,” Hicks’ father said. “And it looks like they just want to get paid because she’s no threat to anyone other than being a fantasy video [game] player.”
Houston Jewish community reacts
In an email sent to the congregation on Wednesday, obtained by the Chronicle, the synagogue said that Houston police had alerted them to a possible threat, prompting it to close campus for the day.
“We understand that this type of message can be unsettling,” the email reads. “Please know that this decision was made thoughtfully, with safety as our top priority, and in coordination with trusted partners.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston said in a Facebook post on Wednesday that it has been in communication with law enforcement, Congregation Beth Israel and The Shlenker School, Beth Israel’s Jewish day school.
This situation is fluid, ongoing, and under investigation. We will share information, as warranted, in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel and The Shlenker School. We all remain in close communication with HPD, the FBI, and local and national security partners.
https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/davidson/lexington-teenager-charged-with-conspiracy-to-murder-congregants-at-texas-synagogue/
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