A nationwide swatting spree [generating a law enforcement response under false pretenses] targeting nearly 200 synagogues and Jewish institutions over the weekend of Dec. 15 and 16 appears to have been a coordinated effort by an entity based outside the United States, FBI spokesman Cathy Milhoan said in a memo to law enforcement agencies.

A record number of incidents and false bomb threats were tracked by the Secure Community Network across multiple states, including California, Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado and Washington. None of the email threats involved any explosive devices or harm to congregants.

According to SCN, swatting incidents are up over 540% from 2022, with about 450 taking place this year. Thirty FBI field offices are investigating the threats.