Washington D.C. Police Not Investigating Synagogue Incident with Unregistered Gun as Hate Crime
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., is not investigating an incident involving Tyler Finn, 32, of Lynchburg, Va., who attempted to enter Washington Hebrew Congregation with an unregistered gun, as a hate crime. Finn faces charges for carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition. The incident occurred on November 7, shortly before morning Shabbat services, when the synagogue's metal detectors alerted security officers to an armed individual. Security personnel denied Finn entry and recovered a concealed, loaded revolver and two pocket knives. Finn was part of a scheduled visit by a religious-studies class from Liberty University. The synagogue stated that its security measures worked as intended, and there was no physical altercation. Finn was released from police custody on Monday, with a court date scheduled for December.