A Tennessee man who has been connected to a neo-Nazi group was arrested after reportedly entering a Jewish Community Center disguised as an Orthodox Jewish man, then getting into a confrontation with security at the center.
31-year-old Travis Keith Garland was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Maryville in connection to a stunt he pulled at Nashville's Gordon Jewish Community Center on Monday evening, reported NewsChannel 5.
Around 7:45 p.m. on Monday evening, Garland allegedly entered the center dressed in a fake beard, fake curls and clothing, disguised as an Orthodox Jew with his cellphone in hand, supposedly recording the prank.
"After being immediately stopped by a front desk staff member, Garland, in disguise, asked to speak with a rabbi," Metro police spokesperson Don Aaron said in a statement.
"When told there was not a rabbi on the property, Garland ignored the front desk staffer and continued past her to a secured door that was ajar due to two members entering that portion of the facility. They blocked Garland from entering," Aaron continued.
"At that point, a security guard came to the lobby area and ordered Garland to leave, prompting Garland to continue demanding to speak with a rabbi."
The security guard remained firm in his stance despite fears that Garland might try to take his pistol. However, Garland eventually heeded the guard's instructions and left the Center, escorted by security off the premises.
Garland later told another West Precinct officer that the stunt was simply an internet prank.
The 31-year-old is reportedly affiliated with neo-Nazi Goyim Defense League, a group known for its anti-semitic, racist and homophobic principles, having engaged with them online according to NewsChannel 5.
He was initially charged with criminal trespassing, but law enforcement later took out a warrant for assault after learning about his interactions with the Community Center's security guard.
His bond is set at $250,000.
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