Skyler AJ Rose, 22, of Ogden, Utah, has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly threatening to blow up a synagogue. Prosecutors say investigators later found six functional improvised pipe bombs, an inert device, firearms and ammunition at his home. The indictment also includes an attempted hate crime charge and allegations involving child sexual abuse material found on his cellphone. Authorities said the investigation prevented potential harm, while Rose remains entitled to due process.
| 1) | Federal indictment follows alleged synagogue threat |
| 2) | Investigation links social media posts to Ogden home |
| 3) | Search reportedly uncovers explosives and firearms |
| 4) | Prosecutors cite possible religious targeting and additional evidence |
| 5) | Rose faces separate child sexual abuse material charges |
Federal indictment follows alleged synagogue threat
A federal grand jury indicted Skyler AJ Rose on Wednesday in Utah on multiple charges. The allegations include possession of an unregistered destructive device, threatening to kill or injure people and damage a building with an explosive, and attempting to commit a hate crime. The case concerns an alleged threat against a synagogue and is being handled in federal court.
The U.S. attorney for Utah said places of worship should be safe, and that the charges demonstrate the consequences of allegedly targeting a religious institution. The indictment does not establish guilt, and the allegations will be tested through the federal criminal process.
“There is no place for hate motivated violence, attempts or otherwise, in our communities. A place of worship should be a refuge of safety, not fear,” U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak said.
Investigation links social media posts to Ogden home
According to court documents, Rose allegedly made multiple threatening social media posts on Dec. 23, 2025. One post quoted by prosecutors said, “I wanna blow up a synagogue.” Investigators traced the internet protocol address associated with the posts to a residence in Ogden.
The FBI then asked the Ogden City Police Department to assist. During a home visit, authorities said they confirmed that the social media account belonged to Rose. Investigators subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence as they sought to determine whether the alleged online threat was connected to preparations for an attack.
Search reportedly uncovers explosives and firearms
Authorities said the search recovered six improvised explosive pipe bombs that were functional, along with one inert device. Investigators also reported finding explosive precursors and components that could allegedly be used to build additional improvised devices.
The search also produced a black Samsung cellphone and two rifles with magazines and ammunition, according to prosecutors. Officials have not said that anyone was injured. The reported recovery of the devices and weapons forms part of the evidence supporting the federal charges.
Prosecutors cite possible religious targeting and additional evidence
Investigators said a review of Rose’s cellphone showed that he searched online for a synagogue near him in November 2025, before the alleged December threat. Prosecutors say that search, the social media posts and the items recovered at his home are relevant to the alleged plan.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said the indictment halted what prosecutors described as an alleged plan to attack a synagogue. FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said people should be able to worship without threats or intimidation.
“Every person deserves to worship freely, without threats, intimidation, or fear,” Robert Bohls said.
Rose faces separate child sexual abuse material charges
The cellphone examination allegedly found hundreds of cached images and screenshots depicting child sexual abuse material, prosecutors said. Rose was also indicted on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.
The allegations concerning the cellphone are separate from the synagogue-related charges, although the evidence was reportedly identified during the same investigation. Rose’s initial appearance was scheduled for Oct. 23 in federal court in Salt Lake City. The case will proceed through hearings and other court proceedings before any trial or resolution.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rose was indicted on federal charges tied to an alleged threat against a synagogue. |
| 2 | Investigators reported recovering six functional pipe bombs, an inert device, rifles and ammunition. |
| 3 | The investigation began after alleged social media posts made in December 2025. |
| 4 | Prosecutors also charged Rose over alleged child sexual abuse material on his phone. |
Summary
The federal case against Skyler AJ Rose combines allegations of a religiously motivated threat, possession of explosive devices and unlawful firearm-related conduct with separate charges involving child sexual abuse material. Authorities say cooperation between federal and local investigators led to the alleged threat being identified before anyone was harmed. The charges remain allegations, and the court process will determine the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skyler AJ Rose accused of doing?
Prosecutors allege that Rose threatened to blow up a synagogue, attempted to commit a hate crime and possessed unregistered destructive devices, among other federal offenses.
What did investigators reportedly find?
Authorities said they recovered six functional improvised pipe bombs, an inert device, explosive components, two rifles, ammunition and a cellphone from his home.
Are there additional charges?
Yes. Prosecutors separately charged Rose with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material allegedly found on his cellphone.
When was Rose scheduled to appear in court?
His initial appearance was scheduled for Oct. 23 in federal court in Salt Lake City.
