Man accused of threatening, intimidating at a Phoenix mosque
Mar 17, 2019, 11:09 AM | Updated: Mar 18, 2019, 10:17 am
(MCSO Photo)
(MCSO Photo)
PHOENIX — A man was arrested Saturday night for allegedly threatening and intimidating members of a Phoenix mosque.
Phoenix Sgt. Tommy Thompson said Noel Thomas Becht, 40, was taken into custody around 7:30 p.m. on suspicion of trespassing, disorderly conduct and threatening and intimidating.
State and local authorities ramped up surveillance around local mosques over the weekend in the wake of an attack on two mosques in New Zealand, where a man opened fire and killed 50 people.
Thompson said Becht entered the United Islamic Center of Arizona near Yorkshire Drive and 35th Avenue, said he was curious about the Muslim religion and asked to sit in on a prayer service.
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He later entered rooms he wasn’t permitted to be in and asked unusual questions regarding service times at the Phoenix mosque, as well as a mosque in Tempe.
When questioned by one of the mosque leaders, Becht allegedly put his finger to his neck and made a sawing motion.
Thompson said in a statement to KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday that his officers are reminded to “be aware of all houses of worship in their areas and pay increased attention to those locations.”
Trooper Kameron Lee with the Arizona Department of Public Safety told KTAR News on Friday that anyone who sees something out of the usual should report it immediately.
“People know what’s normal and what’s not. Depending on where you live, the places you frequent, people that are acting not normal, erratically,” Lee said.
“Maybe wearing clothing that doesn’t fit this time of year. It’s going to be little things that’s going to piece together something big.”
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Nailea Leon and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
