Orlando Man Arrested Over Alleged Threats to Shoot Up New Orthodox Jewish Community Near Lake Okeechobee

An Orlando man was arrested Wednesday over alleged online threats to shoot up a newly founded Orthodox Jewish community near Lake Okeechobee, Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as reported by multiple Florida outlets.

Jerry Sneed, 31, was taken into custody October 28 by FDLE agents together with the Orange County Sheriff's Office. He is charged with written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism, and with unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

The investigation began October 19, after FDLE agents received information about threatening messages posted on social media against a Jewish community in Glades County. According to FDLE, Sneed posted photos of the residential community's location along with a firearm - the same firearm he had in his possession when he was arrested.

The alleged threats targeted Lakefront Estates, a new development near Lake Okeechobee spanning some 550 acres, according to its developers, with plans for homes alongside shuls, schools and kosher shopping. The community has drawn Orthodox Jewish families from New York and elsewhere seeking a quieter life in Florida.

"He's behind bars, and hopefully that's a lesson to everyone that you don't need to wait until it escalates, they immediately acted. They caught him," Lakefront Estates CEO Yidel Perlstein told the New York Post.

The arrest comes weeks after online personalities Jake Lang and Jeffrey Walstein, known as the "Jersey Goy," demonstrated outside the community on October 13 and 14, directing anti-Jewish vitriol at residents, the Post reported.

The State Attorney's Office of the 20th Judicial Circuit is prosecuting the case. FDLE said the investigation remains active and urged the public to report suspicious activity by calling 855-FLA-SAFE or dialing 911.