FBI arrests man for threatening to bomb Jewish preschool in Los Angeles

Federal authorities arrested 51-year-old Steven Duenas on October 2, 2026, for threatening to attack Jems, a Jewish preschool in Los Angeles, using Molotov cocktails. Prosecutors cite antisemitic social media posts on X and the recovery of fuel-filled glass bottles from his home. Duenas' mother attributed his actions to severe mental illness, job loss, and heavy substance abuse following a divorce, pleading for her son to receive medical treatment.

Arrest, court appearance, and charges

• ▪Steven Duenas appeared in federal court shortly after his October 2, 2026 arrest, shackled and crying, and is scheduled to return to court on November 10, 2026
• ▪During an October 2, 2026 search of Steven Duenas' residence, law enforcement officers recovered glass bottles containing gasoline and fuel designed to assemble Molotov cocktails
• ▪FBI agents arrested 51-year-old Los Feliz resident Steven Duenas on October 2, 2026, for allegedly plotting a mass incident targeting Jems, a Jewish preschool in Los Angeles
• ▪Federal prosecutors charged Steven Duenas with possessing a combination of parts designed and intended to manufacture a Molotov cocktail

Social media threats on X

• ▪On September 19, 2026, Steven Duenas posted images on social media platform X showing a bottle in front of a video of the burning World Trade Center, referencing a 'Goy De Ley' cocktail and praising the Houthis
• ▪Steven Duenas posted antisemitic threats on X, writing that 'Not enough synagogues have been burned down' and threatening that he 'might bomb Jems later.'

Mother's reaction and home discovery

• ▪Maria Duenas stated that Steven Duenas was handcuffed alongside her during the 4:30 a.m. FBI raid on October 2, 2026, and expressed hope that he receives medical treatment and repents
• ▪Following Steven Duenas' arrest, Maria Duenas discovered barrels of alcohol and hundreds of prescription pill bottles in the Los Angeles home they shared
• ▪Maria Duenas described her son Steven Duenas as a former altar boy who was sweet and respectful, expressing shock over the FBI's October 2 discovery of Molotov cocktail materials in her home

Mental health and personal struggles

• ▪Maria Duenas reported that Steven Duenas developed a prescription drug addiction and heavy alcohol use following a long-distance marriage that ended in divorce and the loss of his job
• ▪Maria Duenas stated that her son Steven Duenas suffers from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and deep depression, which contributed to losing his Los Angeles County social services job
• ▪Maria Duenas stated that Steven Duenas' mental health problems were exacerbated by personal struggles, including a dispute over a shared fence with former Jewish neighbors