NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A 31-year-old man from East Tennessee has been arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and assault by intimidation after allegedly attempting to enter a Jewish community center in Nashville while disguised as an Orthodox Jewish rabbi.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Keith Garland was wearing a fake beard, lock curls, a black coat, and a white scarf when he arrived at the Gordon Jewish Community Center on the evening of January 15. Garland reportedly approached a staff member at the front desk and asked to speak with a rabbi. When informed that no rabbi was present at the time, Garland allegedly ignored the staff member and proceeded past a secure door that had been opened by two other members of the facility.
Security personnel quickly intervened, blocking Garland’s path and ordering him to leave. However, Garland continued to demand to speak with a rabbi. One of the security guards later reported that Garland appeared to be eyeing the guard’s pistol, causing the guard to fear that Garland might attempt to seize it. Garland then retreated to the parking lot, where the security guard escorted him out of the premises.
A West Precinct officer arrived shortly after and spoke with Garland, who claimed he was “taking part in an Internet prank.” Garland was not found to be carrying any weapons, and after being given a warning, he was allowed to leave the scene.
Further investigation by MNPD detectives, in consultation with the community center’s staff and the district attorney’s office, led authorities to charge Garland with criminal trespassing and assault by intimidation. He was later apprehended in Maryville, Tennessee, and transported back to Nashville. Garland’s bond was set at $250,000.
This incident has raised concerns about security at community centers and places of worship, especially as it involves a potential threat in a public space. The MNPD continues to investigate the matter.
