F. B. I. Investigates Bombing of Jewish Centers in Miami and Nashville

The Department of Justice stepped in today to investigate the bombing yesterday of Jewish centers in Miami and Nashville with a view to determining whether a violation of Federal laws occurred. The Department is awaiting reports from regional FBI offices and from the United States Attorneys in both cities.

Meanwhile, it was learned here today that police throughout the South have been alerted to the possibility of a conspiracy to bomb other Jewish centers and synagogues in Southern states. Justice Department officials are generally of the opinion that the bombings are matters for local authorities to handle, but they were concerned with a reported threat to assassinate Federal District Judge William E. Miller of Nashville. Such an action would involve a Federal official, and it may come under Federal statute.

The threat to Judge Miller came in an anonymous telephone call to Rabbi William E. Silverman of Nashville, immediately after the dynamite explosion took place in the Jewish Community Center building, smashing the front doors, ripping down the ceiling of the reception hall and smashing windows in the building. The damage was estimated at $6,000. The anonymous caller, who identified himself as "a member of the Confederate Union" said over the telephone:

"We have just dynamited the Jewish community center. Next will be the temple and next will be any other nigger-loving place or nigger-loving person in Nashville. And we’re going to shoot down Judge Miller in cold blood."

Rabbi Silverman immediately called Judge Miller about the threat and the judge informed the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Deputy sheriffs and F. B. I. agents were posted at the residence immediately. Judge Miller last fall ordered Negro first graders admitted to some Nashville schools. Their admission was followed by a blast which wrecked Hattie Cotton school there.