A woman in North Carolina was arrested on Friday for vandalizing a Messianic synagogue.
The woman, identified as 57-year-old Lisa Marie Burns, allegedly threw bricks at Congregation Shaarei Shalom on Thursday in Cary, which is west of Raleigh. She also allegedly spray-painted the words “F U” on the front door of the congregation, as well as broke the headlight of a Mercedes and spray-painted a Porsche.
According to police, Burns admitted to committing the vandalism and “indicated her disdain for people of other religions and ethnic backgrounds” while in custody. She is being charged with ethnic intimidation and property damage and was jailed with a $2,000 bond, which she posted.
Burns’ arrest and alleged vandalism comes after the synagogue faced threats in November; 20-year-old William Josephus Warden was arrested for the threats.
“We’re not going to respond by being afraid,” Rabbi Seth Klayman told CBS 17. “We’re not going to respond with despair. We’re not even going to respond with bitterness. The ultimate goal would be to see a transformed heart.”
