TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A man accused of threatening a Tallahassee Jewish temple earlier this week was shot and killed Thursday in Alachua County after reaching for his gun as deputies served a warrant, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Ali Bayhan, 38, was also accused of making terroristic threats against several elected officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, ACSO told sister-station WCJB.
On Wednesday, Tallahassee Police confirmed to WCTV that Temple Israel in the capital city received a non-credible bomb threat phone call earlier that day from someone, who authorities later determined was Bayhan.
After receiving the threat, the Jewish temple sent the following statement to its members that day:
“Dear Temple Israel Congregants:As you may have heard, a bomb threat was called into Temple Israel’s office this morning. The building, including the preschool, was quickly evacuated. Law enforcement officers were called, searched the premises and ultimately determined that there never was any actual danger. Officers from various jurisdictions, including the City of Tallahassee Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, responded rapidly. Accompanied by three police dogs, they searched the entire building and grounds, and ultimately declared Temple Israel safe for the return of occupants.The threat, though later proven groundless, was taken seriously, handled following our emergency procedures, and resolved thoroughly and efficiently. It is important to note that the threat contained neither anti-Semitic nor anti-Zionist content. All indications are that it came from a mentally troubled individual.We are appreciative of the professionalism of our law enforcement officers and the staff of Temple Israel and its Preschool. If any other substantive information arises, we will share it with you.”
A spokesperson for the temple and Tallahassee Police both confirmed shortly after that the building had been evacuated and cleared.
Due to the terrorist threats, Alachua County deputies, U.S. Marshal agents and other authorities attempted to serve Bayhan a felony warrant in northwest Gainesville Thursday afternoon, WCJB reported.
U.S. Marshal agents got involved in the incident after ACSO received word from Alachua County courts that “an involuntary mental health evaluation had been issued,” according to the sheriff’s office spokesperson Chris Sims.
“It’s called an ex parte. We learned that an ex parte had been issued for Mr. Bayhan based on significant concerns by his family about his mental health,” Sims told WCJB.
As authorities attempted to serve the warrant, Bayhan allegedly stepped out of the Gainesville home with a handgun in his waistband, according to the sheriff’s office.
Shortly after, Alachua County deputies said that after he did not respond to commands, authorities then sent a K-9 to attempt to detain Bayhan safely.
However, the 38-year-old man then allegedly reached for his gun, leading to deputies shooting him, according to the sheriff’s office. No deputies were hurt, per WCJB.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation due to the shooting involving deputies, according to WCJB.
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