The FBI confirmed Thursday it is investigating reports of threats made to multiple places of worship and religious organizations across different faith communities in Western Pennsylvania.

Threats have been sent via email to Jewish communities across Pittsburgh beginning last week, as well as to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and to a third, unnamed faith group, said Shawn Brokos, retired FBI agent and director of community security at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

Brokos said she alerted local authorities and the FBI about the threats, which she later deemed to be hoaxes.

Compared to previous threats to synagogues, Brokos said these were “different” and localized to the Pittsburgh community. She said that just as in the past two years, the Jewish Federation continues to work with local police to coordinate a security response.

In light of the recent threats, Brokos said she has stayed in touch with representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Brokos said the diocese has been receiving threats targeting schools.

“We saw that as days went on, there were similar threats directed at other faith-based communities,” Brokos said. “We were able to coordinate with them and discuss what we were seeing.”

The Diocese of Pittsburgh could not be reached for comment.

“We know that with these threats, the bad actors are doing this intentionally to disrupt organizations and elicit fear,” Brokos said.

For the Jewish community, the threats come as hate crimes against Jewish, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian Americans have risen since Oct. 7, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Compared to 2022, antisemitic hate crimes climbed by 140% in 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Cantor Michal Gray-Schaffer, who is the spiritual leader of Congregation B’Nai Abraham in Butler, said the synagogue has not received any threats.

They seem to be concentrated in Pittsburgh, Gray-Schaffer said.

B’Nai Abraham is one of about 62 synagogues that fall under the purview of the Jewish Federation, which provides resources and guidance to Jewish communities in the region, Brokos said.

“There is a heightened threat,” Brokos said in regards to the rise of antisemitic incidents and threats, especially as Passover draws near. “But with law enforcement, we’re working closely to be proactive and encourage members of Jewish communities to celebrate Jewish holidays, celebrate Jewish life.”

The FBI said the bureau has no information at this time indicating “a specific and credible threat against any faith community, religious institution or educational facility.”

“We continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to mitigate any threat investigations when information comes to our attention,” the FBI stated. “The FBI takes every threat seriously and we remain vigilant in our efforts to detect and assess possible threats.”

The public is encouraged to report suspicious individuals or activities to law enforcement by calling 911, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.