Seattle man charged with hate crime for allegedly threatening synagogue
Dec 18, 2025, 12:18 PM | Updated: 9:38 pm
A photo of a Seattle Police Department officers badge. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Seattle Police Department)
A Seattle man is facing a hate crime charge after prosecutors say he left threatening, antisemitic voicemails at a Capitol Hill synagogue.
Prosecutors allege 30-year-old Joshua Cole Scott called Temple De Hirsch Sinai twice last Friday, leaving messages that lasted about two minutes each. In the first voicemail, Scott allegedly made antisemitic remarks. In the second, prosecutors say he threatened to kill people and referenced the Holocaust.
“When I find you, I’m going to f***ing murder you,” the voicemail said. “Six million isn’t going to be enough, by the way, you f***ing Jew rat. Six million is gonna be a f***ing starter pack.”
Police arrested Scott less than a mile from the synagogue at his apartment. According to court documents, Scott admitted to making the calls, telling officers he did so “in a drunken stupor.”
According to court documents, Scott does not have any history of violent crimes. However, he has had previous arrests for DUI and disorderly conduct, the documents said.
He also told police he is a Navy veteran and suffers from PTSD and other mental health issues.
The state is asking that his bail be set at $150,000.
Scott is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning.
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
