A man from Beaver County has been arrested and charged with leaving a threatening voicemail message at the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania mosque in Marshall Township.Â
Ted Frank, 54, of Center Township, has been charged with felony counts of ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats after police said a bomb threat was called into the mosque as part of what police described in court paperwork as a threatening voicemail left on the center’s phone on Friday.
Northern Regional Police said in court documents that the voicemail left on Friday threatened the well-being of Muslims and caused panic within the mosque on Warrendale Bayne Road, which was evacuated. Congregational prayers at the mosque were cancelled out of concern for community safety.
A man from Beaver County was arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats after police said a bomb threat was part of a threatening voicemail message left at the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania late last week.Ted Frank, 54, of Center Township, is accused of leaving a voicemail that threatened the well-being of Muslims and caused panic within the mosque on Warrendale Bayne Road, which was evacuated.
KDKA Photojournalist Brian Smithmyer
According to the criminal complaint, investigators traced the phone number the voicemail was left from and were able to link the phone call to Frank.Â
Police quoted Frank as saying in the alleged message that Muslims should leave the United States and “go back to Iran.”
In a statement, the Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ executive director said the incident is deeply concerning, but is not isolated.
“When a mosque is targeted, it impacts an entire community, including families, children, and individuals simply seeking to worship in peace,” said Christine Mohamed. “No one should feel unsafe gathering for prayer, especially during Ramadan. We will continue working with community partners to support efforts that ensure accountability and the protection of our community.”
Congresswoman Summer Lee said in a statement that she’s outraged by the threatening message, adding that she stands with the Islamic Center and the entire Muslim community.
“Targeting a place of worship is always horrible, but it is especially heartbreaking that is happening during the month of Ramadan,” Rep. Lee said. “I am working with local and federal authorities to help ensure that the Muslim community can pray and celebrate in peace.”
The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said that on top of the Northern Regional Police Department’s investigation, the FBI has been notified of the incident.
According to court records, Frank was denied bail and is being held in the Allegheny County Jail. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for early April.