JShield Issues Statement After Virginia Man Arrested at DC Synagogue

A 32-year-old Virginia man was arrested on Saturday morning after attempting to enter the Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington carrying a handgun and two pocket knives, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed on Monday.

The suspect, identified as Tyler Finn of Lynchburg, Virginia, arrived at the synagogue before the start of Shabbat services. He was part of a scheduled visit by a religious studies class from Liberty University, which had previously visited the congregation as part of interfaith dialogue, according to a statement from the synagogue.

Synagogue security officers discovered the weapons during entrance screening. They detained Finn until police arrived at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Man arrested with gun at DC synagogue

Authorities confirmed that there was no physical altercation during the encounter. According to the police report, Finn stated he had brought the weapons “due to safety concerns for himself and occupants based on recent news reports.”

Following his apprehension on-site, Finn faced a charge of carrying a pistol without a license beyond his residence or business establishment. The police report also noted that the suspect admitted the firearm was unregistered.

JShield Issues Statement After Virginia Man Arrested at DC Synagogue

A public statement was released by JShield—the federation’s community security and crisis response initiative tasked with safeguarding Jewish schools, institutions, and synagogues across the Greater Washington region—following the event.

“JShield has been in close contact with Washington Hebrew Congregation and local law enforcement. At this time, there is no known threat to the broader Greater Washington Jewish community,” the federation said.

“This incident underscores the importance of a strong, coordinated culture of security across our community,” the statement continued.

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