MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Police say a South Florida man who was facing eviction was planning to set his building on fire and "burn" Jews.
Miami Beach police said Friday that 72-year-old Walter Edward Stolper is charged with attempted murder after detectives found 28 containers with gasoline and explosive materials inside his storage unit.
News outlets report that police acted on a tip Thursday night and found Stolper in the parking garage of his condominium complex moving two plastic containers of gasoline.
Police say they also found gasoline-filled containers in the garbage chute dumpster and discovered artifacts with swastikas and books of Nazi ideology inside his residence.
In a tweet, police said Stolper was "triggered" by an upcoming eviction and was angry with his Jewish neighbors.
An arrest report says Stolper told detectives he was planning a "small barbecue."
1/2 - MBPD has arrested 72yr old, Walter Stolper. Stolper is charged w/ 1st Degree Attempted Arson after dumping several gasoline filled containers down a trash chute. His motivation appears to be triggered by an upcoming eviction and anger towards Jewish neighbors. pic.twitter.com/WsvRSRzCaT
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) July 13, 2018