Antisemitism

Franklin Sechriest admitted he attempted to burn down the Austin synagogue in 2021.

Franklin Sechriest faces up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission made eight policy recommendations in response to the reported rise in antisemitism.

Austin saw more documented incidents than any other Texas city last year. The majority of incidents were nonviolent.

Nineteen-year-old Franklin Barrett Sechriest was handed down a three-count indictment for allegedly starting the Oct. 31 blaze at Congregation Beth Israel.

Over the last month, several antisemitic and racist incidents have taken place in Austin. KUT spoke with the Anti-Defamation League and a free speech expert about what people can do when they encounter these incidents.

A Texas State University student faces a federal charge of arson in connection with the fire at Congregation Beth Israel last month. If convicted, he could go to prison for 20 years.

Franklin Barrett Sechriest was charged with arson with intent to damage a place of worship, a first-degree felony.

Investigators say the suspect was seen with a gas can outside the synagogue Sunday night.