TEXAS — Nineteen-year-old Franklin Sechriest, who pleaded guilty to hate and arson charges in April, on Wednesday was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $470,000 for setting fire to Temple Beth Israel in Austin in 2021.

According to the Department of Justice, Sechriest admitted that he set fire to the synagogue because of his hatred of Jews. His journals were filled with antisemitic statements and views.  

“This defendant is being held accountable for this depraved, antisemitic attack on Congregation Beth Israel, a community with a rich history and heritage that dates back to 1876,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This hate-filled act of violence against a house of worship was an attempt to sow fear in the Jewish community and was intended to intimidate its congregants.”

Surveillance video from Oct. 28, 2021, placed Sechriest’s car at the scene, so investigators traced it back to his address. A federal complaint said he was seen on surveillance heading in the direction of the Congregation Beth Israel, lugging around toilet paper and a five-gallon container. Later, according to the complaint, “a security camera captured Sechriest jogging away from the direction of the fire and towards the open driver’s side door of a vehicle.”

A witness reported the fire to officials. The Austin Fire Department got a handle on the situation. Although no injuries occurred, the amount of fire damage was over $200,000.

On Nov. 10, 2021, Sechriest’s home was searched. Investigators found items that were seen in surveillance on his person. They uncovered “similar clothing worn by Sechriest and a receipt for a five-gallon container similar to the one seen on video,” according to the Department of Justice.