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Minnesota's top federal prosecutor Monday assured religious leaders that prosecuting hate crimes remains a top priority for her office. 

U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald convened a meeting of faith leaders in Apple Valley to discuss security at churches, mosques, synagogues and other houses of worship. The gathering came in response to the 

shooting last month at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh

MacDonald said the meeting was meant to show solidarity with all religious communities and also to send a message to would-be attackers.

"We will arrest you. We will prosecute you. Justice will be served," MacDonald said. "And you will spend a very, very long time in federal prison."

three Illinois men accused of bombing a Bloomington, Minn., mosque

 last year. She did not discuss details of that case but noted that one of the charges in the indictment carries a 30-year mandatory minimum sentence.

Minneapolis FBI Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn said at the Monday meeting that the bureau knows of no active threats to any house of worship anywhere in the country.


Nevertheless, Sanborn said faith communities should report any suspicious activity. "We need you guys in the community to be our eyes and ears and share suspicious things that you may see or hear."

Crime, Law and Justice

Social Issues

Matt Sepic

Author

U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald and the head of the FBI in Minneapolis intended to send a message of solidarity with religious leaders at a meeting Monday night.

U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Erica MacDonald speaks to a crowd.

Top federal law enforcement in Minn. say prosecuting hate crimes is a top priority

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