Wednesday morning, Ogden Chief of Police Jake Sube led a press conference addressing a situation that unfolded on Tuesday.

“On December 23 at approximately 4:30 p.m., The Ogden Police Department was notified by the Utah Statewide Information Analysis Center – commonly referred to as the SIAC — of a credible threat,” he said. “That information originated from a tip received by the Salt Lake City FBI field office that indicated online threats directed towards members of our Jewish community and Jewish houses of worship. The information further suggested that those threats originated from a location here in Ogden.”

He said officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of Millcreek Drive.

“Officers made contact with individuals at the residence and conducted an investigation that led them to believe the individual responsible for posting the threatening statements online lived in the home,” he said.

Sube said a search warrant was obtained and executed, leading to the discovery of explosive devices, explosive materials and multiple firearms. Specialized agencies from around the region responded and secured the scene before safely removing the explosive devices throughout the night.

“As a result of the investigation, Skyler Rose, age 21 of Ogden, was taken into custody and booked into the Weber County Jail on the following charges — he was booked on multiple counts of possession of an incendiary device, which are first-degree felonies; threats of terrorism, a second-degree felony; possession of a firearm by a restricted person and possession of marijuana,” Sube said.

According to a press release from the Ogden City Police Department sent out later on Wednesday, the full list of charges is as follows:

• “Threat of Terrorism, a second-degree felony;
• Possession of Weapon of Mass Destruction, a first-degree felony (7 counts);
• Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Restricted Person, a third-degree felony;
• Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor; and
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class B Misdemeanor.”

Sube said the investigation is just in the beginning phases and the Ogden City Police Department is working actively with state and federal authorities.

“At this time, we do not believe there are any outstanding suspects and, based on the evidence developed thus far, investigators believe this was an individual acting alone,” he said. “Importantly, there is no ongoing threat to the public or the Jewish community at this time.”

He also sought to dispel rumors that have already started to surround the situation.

“I am aware of recent reporting that has characterized the threats as being directed towards a specific, local synagogue,” he said. “At this point in the investigation, we do not have evidence confirming that any specific synagogue was targeted. The threats under investigation were directed towards the Jewish community and Jewish houses of worship, and it would be premature and inaccurate to characterize them beyond what the evidence currently supports.”

Sube said the department has met with Jewish leaders within the community as the situation has developed.

“Their safety, their peace of mind and their ability to worship freely without fear is of paramount importance to us and we will continue that communication and partnership as we move forward,” he said. “The Ogden Police Department takes all threats of violence serious. Threats targeting our community, our religious institutions or any group of people will be investigated fully and aggressively. Our mission is simple — remove those who threaten our community, protect victims and safeguard constitutional rights, including the right to worship freely without fear of intimidation.”

He took time to thank the FBI, ATF, the Weber County Sheriff’s Office and other partners who assisted in the investigation.

Sube took no questions following the press conference, citing the investigation’s sensitive nature and saying that further information will be released at a later date.