Oregon Man Sentenced To Prison For Bomb Threat Scheme Targeting Jewish Hospitals On LI: Feds

By Samantha Vogel-Hespos | Editor, Long Island Daily News

LONG ISLAND, NY — A 39-year-old Oregon man has been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a bomb threat campaign that targeted Jewish-affiliated medical facilities across the country — including several hospitals on Long Island — federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, John David O’Connell of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to making threats via interstate communications and obstructing religious freedom.

Between February and March 2021, O’Connell admitted to placing dozens of threatening phone calls to hospitals and health centers in New York, New Jersey, and other states. Many of those calls specifically targeted Jewish institutions — including Northwell Health facilities on Long Island, sources familiar with the case confirmed.

In chilling detail, O’Connell threatened to detonate bombs, shoot staff members, and commit mass violence, all while using antisemitic and racist language. His threats prompted lockdowns, patient evacuations, and law enforcement mobilizations across multiple sites.

Federal investigators said O’Connell masked his identity by using voice-disguising software and anonymizing phone services. Authorities were eventually able to track him down through digital forensics and coordination with local and state law enforcement.

“The defendant’s threats were designed to terrorize communities and disrupt vital healthcare services, particularly targeting Jewish organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York. “This sentence holds him accountable and sends a clear message: hate-fueled threats will not be tolerated.”

The Anti-Defamation League, which assisted in the investigation, called the sentencing “an important step toward justice” and praised law enforcement for treating the case as both a hate crime and domestic terrorism threat.

O’Connell will serve his sentence in a federal correctional facility yet to be disclosed. No actual explosives were found during the investigation, but prosecutors emphasized the significant toll the threats took on public safety and the Jewish community.

Local officials, including Nassau and Suffolk police, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting all religious institutions on Long Island and urged the public to report suspicious activity.

This story is developing. For updates, follow us at [Long Island Daily News].

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