MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) - The man accused of making violent threats against rabbis in Alabama and nearby states appeared before a federal judge today.

Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker is charged with an interstate communications threat after he allegedly called and texted several religious leaders with threatening messages. He was arrested in Needham, Alabama, where investigators said they found a stockpile of weapons , ammunition and body armor.

Shoemaker, in handcuffs, was escorted into a federal courtroom in downtown Mobile today. A judge read his charges, including some of the disturbing death threats he’s accused of sending to a Mountain Brook rabbi.

The judge asked Shoemaker about his finances to determine whether he qualifies for a public defender. Shoemaker told the court he’s on disabi

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