Washington, D.C. police decline hate crime probe in synagogue gun incident

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., is not investigating an incident involving an armed man at the Washington Hebrew Congregation as a hate crime, according to an incident report.

Tyler Finn, 32, of Lynchburg, Virginia, was arrested on Saturday after a metal detector alerted security officers to a concealed, loaded revolver and two pocket knives as he attempted to enter the synagogue. The synagogue stated that Finn was part of a scheduled visit by a religious-studies class from Liberty University. There was no physical altercation during the incident.

Finn faces charges including carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition. While the police report indicates no suspected hate crime, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community.