32-year-old faces terrorism charges after threatening to ‘blow up’ Phoenix synagogue

Upon arrest police discovered a revolver in Pyles’ car and later uncovered an MP40 submachine gun in his storage unit.

By Aaron Sull, Jewish Breaking News

A 32-year-old Glendale man appeared in court Friday facing terrorism charges after posting detailed threats on social media targeting a Phoenix synagogue.

Kevin Charles Pyles was arrested and charged with making terrorist threats and computer tampering after investigators linked him to months of antisemitic posts on X.

Court documents show Pyles photographed and filmed the Sha’arei Shalom Congregation while posting that he wanted to “blow up” the synagogue and “take out the Jews.”

The Secure Community Network, a private organization that monitors threats against Jewish communities, alerted Phoenix police about the posts on August 11 after linking the threatening social media account to Pyles through his email address and birthdate.

Upon arrest police discovered a revolver in Pyles’ car and later uncovered an MP40 submachine gun in his storage unit.

During interrogation, he confessed to making the antisemitic threats and described plans to target other synagogues by placing propane tanks nearby and firing at them to trigger explosions.

Despite not previously holding a criminal record, prosecutors revealed additional disturbing details during Pyles’ court appearance, including a previous incident where he threw a Passover glass at a synagogue while recording himself making violent antisemitic statements.

“I apologize for this language, your Honor, but he says, ‘F*** Jews. Kill yourselves, f******, get out of here,’” the prosecutor told the court, describing Pyles’ recorded statements.

Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, founder of Arizona Jews for Justice, said the case reflects broader national trends.

“Hatred is growing and antisemitism is growing, and we all have to call it out wherever we see it. Wherever we see stereotypes and bias and hate, we have to call it out,” Yanklowitz told local 13 News.

With his bond set at $250,000, Pyles could receive a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and fines reaching $150,000 as making terrorist threats is classified as a Class 3 felony under Arizona state law.