A 29-year-old man accused of driving to Houston’s new Ismaili Center and threatening to “kill all the Muslims and Jews” has been charged with a terroristic threat, court records show.
The allegations were detailed in a Harris County court filing accusing Jacolby Poindexter of the felony offense. Officials said the incident occurred last month, but Poindexter was arrested on Saturday. He was released the following day on a $30,000 bond.
In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Poindexter denied the accusations and said he wouldn’t attack anyone. His arraignment is scheduled for June 30.
The complaint signed by Houston police officer C.J. King says Poindexter drove onto the Ismaili Center property on April 11 and spoke to a security guard at the front gate.
“This is our hood and you guys are taking over,” the document accuses Poindexter of saying.
The document says the center has increased its security measures and that the incident has disrupted normal operations. A spokesperson for the Ismaili Center did not respond to request for comment.
The center opened to the public in December as the first in the U.S., offering a contemplative space for prayer, but also art exhibitions and music recitals. Ismailis belong to a branch of Shia Muslims who trace their faith to their belief in the hereditary Imam. An estimated 35,000 to 40,000 Ismailis live in Greater Houston.