An 18-year-old woman conspired with two men to murder Jews in Texas, North Carolina authorities allege. The girl's father, however, says the charges are "fabricated" and that she was no threat to anyone.
Angelina Han Hicks of Lexington, North Carolina, was charged this week with conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon to kill or commit serious injury and felony conspiracy to commit murder, Davidson County Sheriff's police said.
Hicks and the men, who have not been identified and remain at large, allegedly planned to attack the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Houston, Texas, police said.
According to police, officers received a tip, went to Hick's home, and found evidence that she and the men planned to perpetrate a "mass casualty" event targeting Jews. The police stated that Hicks' co-conspirators are believed to live out of state and that the investigation is ongoing.
The FBI assisted in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said the plan was going to specifically target a Jewish Day School. Patel stated that although Hicks was arrested, the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Congregation Beth Israel closed its campus on Wednesday as a precaution. "We are deeply grateful to the Houston Police Department and the officers who worked closely with us for their swift action, partnership, and steady guidance throughout this process," the congregation wrote in a statement.
Hicks' father spoke to Fox 8 after his daughter's arrest and called the charges "fabricated" and "way over the top."
The man told the outlet that Hicks is a fan of playing a dark online fantasy game. He said she does not have a vehicle or driver's license and was planning to graduate in a couple of weeks.
"We miss her and we're sick over this mess," Hicks' father told Fox 8. "And it looks like they just want to get paid because she's no threat to anyone other than being a fantasy video [game] player."
Hicks' bond was set at $10 million. She is being held in the Davidson County Detention Center with her next court date scheduled for May 12.
