Man arrested for arson at Florida Chabad
Blake Hoover was arrested and charged federally after prosecutors say he set fire to the Chabad Jewish Center in Punta Gorda, Florida, last week. Authorities say Hoover’s mother reported fearing he was responsible after he had threatened to burn the center; investigators found evidence including a gas can, a black spray‑paint can and spray‑painted graffiti reading 'J.'
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A mother's fear led to the arrest of a man accused of setting fire to a Jewish center
New information:
- Suspect: Blake Hoover arrested and faces a federal arson charge, U.S. attorney's office statement reported
- Tip: Hoover’s mother told a relative she feared he set the fire and told investigators he had said he hated Jews and gay people
- Evidence: investigators allege entry via a broken back window, gasoline used to ignite flammable items, and 'J' spray‑painted on the property; a gas can and black spray‑paint can were recovered under warrant