BROOKLYN, NY — The Eastern District of New York unsealed a 23-count indictment on Tuesday, charging 31-year-old Domagoj Patkovic of Portland, Oregon, with orchestrating a disturbing series of antisemitic hoax bomb threats. These threats specifically targeted Jewish hospitals and care centers in New York City and Long Island, creating widespread panic and significantly disrupting essential healthcare services.
The Charges and Arrest
Patkovic was arrested at his residence in Portland on Tuesday morning and is expected to make his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim Yu in the U.S. District Court of Oregon. The indictment charges him with a range of crimes, including conspiring to make and making threats concerning explosives, conspiring to transmit and transmitting threatening communications, and conveying false information concerning explosives. If convicted, Patkovic faces up to 155 years in federal prison.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, announced the charges. “As alleged, the defendant and his coconspirators, motivated by their hatred of Jewish people, targeted Jewish hospitals and care centers in New York City and on Long Island with hoax bomb threats, needlessly endangering patients and staff by creating chaos and alarm,” Peace stated. He emphasized that protecting all members of the community is a top priority and vowed to prosecute such dangerous schemes to the fullest extent of the law.
A Coordinated Campaign of Hate
According to the indictment, Patkovic’s campaign of fear began as early as May 2021. He and his coconspirators made at least six anonymous phone calls to Jewish healthcare facilities, during which they threatened to detonate explosive devices. These calls, laced with antisemitic slurs and violent rhetoric, were designed to terrorize the staff and patients at these facilities. In some instances, Patkovic livestreamed these calls on Discord, a social media platform, further amplifying the reach of his hateful threats.
One of the most chilling incidents occurred on September 15, 2021, at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream. Patkovic, using the alias “Abrahimavich,” called the hospital and claimed to have placed C-4 explosives in the maintenance closets. He issued a vile threat, stating, “I’m gonna blow you to bits you f****** k*e b**.” This prompted the hospital to call in the Nassau County Police Department. Officers responded swiftly, leading to a partial evacuation and lockdown of the hospital. Thankfully, no explosives were found, but the threat caused significant disruption and fear among patients and staff.
Impact on Jewish Healthcare Facilities
The hoax bomb threats had a profound impact on the Jewish healthcare facilities targeted by Patkovic. These institutions, which provide critical care to vulnerable populations, were forced to divert valuable resources to respond to the threats. Emergency responders conducted bomb sweeps, evacuated parts of the facilities, and placed hospitals on lockdown, all of which disrupted the daily operations and care provided to patients.
Christie Curtis, the FBI’s Acting Assistant Director in Charge, condemned Patkovic’s actions, stating, “These alleged actions incited unnecessary hysteria and redirected limited resources to mitigate a false alarm. The FBI will not tolerate those who utilize hoax bomb threat schemes to satisfy their antisemitic beliefs and endanger the wellbeing of our communities.”
Broader Context and Ongoing Threats
Patkovic’s actions are part of a broader pattern of antisemitic threats against Jewish institutions. His threats in 2021 predate a recent spree of bomb threats against synagogues and other Jewish centers that began in the summer of 2023. This ongoing wave of threats has led to multiple arrests and heightened concerns about the safety of Jewish communities across the United States.
Jewish hospitals and care centers are particularly vulnerable, as they serve populations that are often unable to evacuate quickly or easily. The disruption caused by these threats not only endangers lives but also erodes the sense of security within these vital community institutions.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
As Patkovic faces the full weight of the federal legal system, the case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences for those who engage in such hateful and dangerous activities. The charges against him are serious, reflecting the gravity of his alleged crimes. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section, with Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon, Laura Zuckerwise, and Andrew D. Reich leading the effort, supported by Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The Jewish community, along with healthcare providers and law enforcement, remains vigilant in the face of these ongoing threats. The swift response by authorities in this case underscores the importance of collaboration across agencies to protect vulnerable populations and ensure that those who seek to spread fear and hatred are held accountable.
As the legal process unfolds, the impact of Patkovic’s actions will continue to be felt. However, the resilience of the Jewish community and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uphold justice serve as powerful reminders that such acts of terror will not go unpunished.