A Punta Gorda man has been charged with arson following a fire at the Chabad Jewish Center in Punta Gorda, Florida. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced that Blake Richard Hoover, 31, faces federal charges and could receive a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to twenty years in prison if convicted.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on September 19, 2025. At approximately 10:48 p.m., a fire alarm was triggered at the Chabad Jewish Center located at 424 W. Hendry Street. The center functions as both a Hebrew school and a community synagogue serving people of Jewish faith.
Authorities determined that the fire was intentionally set. Investigators also found three areas spray painted with the letter “J,” which appeared to have been recently marked.
On September 22, law enforcement received information from an individual who identified Hoover as having previously expressed intent to burn down the center. According to this person, Hoover had shown animosity toward Jewish people and left his residence on September 19 with a gas can, returning later that evening with an empty can and spray paint. When asked about what he had spray painted, Hoover reportedly replied, “the letter ‘J.’”
A license plate reader recorded Hoover’s vehicle near the Chabad Jewish Center around 10:09 p.m., shortly before the fire started. During a search of his residence, police recovered both a spray paint can and a gas can.
“A complaint is an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty,” according to officials.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Punta Gorda Police Department, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth will prosecute the case.
