NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An East Tennessee man faces multiple charges after allegedly entering a Jewish community center dressed to to “appear as an orthodox Jewish Rabbi,” according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD).
A press release from the MNPD said 31-year-old Keith Garland was reportedly wearing a fake beard, “fake lock curls,” a black coat and a white scarf “to make him appear as an Orthodox Jewish rabbi.” Police said Garland entered the Gordon Jewish Community Center at around 7:45 p.m. Monday with a cell phone in his hand and asked a front desk staff member to speak with a rabbi.
When the security guard told Garland there was no rabbi on property, Garland reportedly ignored the staff member and continued past to a secure door that had been opened because two members entered that portion of the facility. Those staff members blocked Garland from entering.
A security guard then came to the lobby and ordered Garland to leave, but he reportedly continued to ask for a rabbi. The security guard told the MNPD Garland “started eyeing his pistol,” putting the security guard in fear Garland may try to take it.
Garland reportedly retreated to the parking lot and the security guard escorted him to the front gate and away from his car. A West Precinct officer with the MNPD reportedly arrived moments later; Garland allegedly told the officer he was “taking part in an Internet prank.” He was not armed and allowed to leave the premises after being given a warning.
After further investigation by detectives with MNPD’s Security Threat division and in consultation with staff at the Gordon Jewish Community Center and the district attorney’s office, authorities determined Garland should be charged.
The MNPD said he was returned to Nashville from Maryville, Tennessee Thursday night. Garland faces criminal trespassing and assault by intimidation charges; his bond was set at $250,000.
