By MATT SAMUELS | JHV•Thu, Apr 23, 2026
(HOUSTON) A North Carolina woman was arrested Thursday, April 23, after authorities said she plotted a violent attack targeting Beth Israel synagogue in Houston.
Angelina Han Hicks, 18, is facing felony charges, according to an arrest warrant from Davidson County.
Hicks is accused of conspiring with two men – identified only as “Teegan” and “Angel” – to carry out an attack.
Authorities believe the group planned to “kill as many Jews as possible” by driving through the congregation.
Hicks is charged with two counts of felony conspiracy. One count involves conspiracy to commit murder under both North Carolina and Texas law.
The second count alleges conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, as well as aggravated assault under Texas law.
While Hicks has been arrested, the investigation is ongoing with the two alleged co-conspirators not yet arrested.
Hicks’ bond has been set at $10 million, and her next court date is scheduled for May 13.
On Wednesday, Congregation Beth Israel and its Shlenker School were closed early after the Houston Police Department informed them of a potential threat to the Reform synagogue and Jewish day school.
No other Houston Jewish organizations or schools were threatened, according to the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.
“After significant discussions with both the FBI and HPD, we have been advised that it is safe for other local Jewish institutions to remain open,” the Jewish Federation said in a statement.
Local law enforcement agencies increased patrols around Houston-area Jewish institutions as the Houston Jewish community celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 78th anniversary on April 22.
Yom Ha’atzmaut events went on as planned without incident.
Shlenker Head of School Dr. Michelle Barton and school president Arturo Karakowsky sent out a statement to parents Wednesday.
“There is nothing more important than the safety and security of your children and our faculty and staff. We acted quickly and out of an abundance of caution to ensure that no one was placed at risk,” the statement read.
Beth Israel Rabbi David Lyon, along with synagogue president Susan Feigin Harris and executive director Casey Cole also sent out a message to synagogue members.
“We understand that this type of message can be unsettling. Please know that this decision was made thoughtfully, with safety as our top priority and in coordination with trusted partners.”
Shlenker sent an email to parents Wednesday evening saying the school will reopen Thursday.
“This situation is fluid, ongoing and under investigation,” the Federation said.
“We will share information, as warranted, in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel and The Shlenker School. We all remain in close communication with HPD, the FBI and local and national security partners.”