Recent bomb threats spark call to help fund security grants

In the past couple of months, more than 150 bomb threats have targeted Jewish centers across the country, including in St. Louis Park and St. Paul.

“In my almost 20-year career, I have never seen anything quite like the environment we are currently operating in,” Lon White told the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee Tuesday. As chief counsel for security and resiliency at the Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park, he said the threats have taken an emotional toll.

“For the past six weeks, I’ve spent much of my time meeting with parents, meeting with crying mothers, meeting with crying fathers. I never expected to have to do that,” White said. “What you’re hearing about is a tiny fraction of what is actually happening. Far more is being underreported in terms of threats: postcards, threatening emails, faxes and calls. It is happening every day.”

Rep. Drew Christensen

“To confront these threats, federal, state and private resources are required,” said Anthony Sussman, director of communications and community security of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Sponsored by Rep. Drew Christensen (R-Savage), HF1802 would create a nonprofit security grant program administered by the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to supplement current federal dollars.

“Any resources would be a great help to these programs,” Christensen said. No specific dollar amount is requested.

The bill was held over for possible omnibus bill inclusion. A companion, SF1684, sponsored by Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), awaits action by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

Currently, the federal government offers security grants to nonprofit organizations deemed to be at high risk of a terrorist attack. Money can be used, for example, to increase physical security enhancements and screening systems.

Christensen said state officials now review requests for projects and forward grades to the federal government, which can provide protection grants up to $75,000.

“The Twin Cities oftentimes is not a priority for Washington,” Christensen said. “The Department of Public Safety identifies a lot of projects they deem to be worthy that the federal government doesn’t have enough money to fund.” No applicant could receive more than $75,000 combined from state and federal programs.

Application for a federal grant would double as a state application.

Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul) emphasized the grants do not discriminate. “Any group that is under threat can apply for these funds.”