*CORRECTED* NR 1/26/25 Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest After Threats Against Local Churches

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Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest After Threats Against Local Churches 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD (January 26, 2025) - A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Hagerstown Fire Marshal's Office led to the arrest of a Hagerstown woman after she made several online threats against local churches. 

Salamah Bassem Audi, 35, was arrested yesterday after investigators were notified of multiple threats made against Gateway Experience Church in Williamsport, The City of God in Hagerstown, and the church's pastors last week. Investigators described the threatening messages as written in an online blog.

During the investigation, Hagerstown fire marshals learned of an additional threat posted on the blog. In the message, the suspect threatened to blow up the pastor of a Hagerstown house of worship into "itty bitty pieces" while he was on his way to his car.

With the assistance of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC), investigators were able to link the blog to Audi. Subsequently, a warrant was obtained, and with the assistance of the Hagerstown Police Department, Audi was arrested without incident and charged with two counts of arson threat and one count of threat of mass violence. Audi was taken to the Washington County Detention Center and, after appearing before a judge, is currently being held without bond. 

The Hagerstown City Fire Marshals Office continues investigating incidents within its jurisdiction.

Note: (January 28, 2025) - This release corrects the previous information indicating Audi was released on recognizance. The OSFM regrets the error and is responsive in correcting material published on digital platforms and in print.

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Salamah AUDI

Salamah Bassem Audi


The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering.  For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.