Shawn Brokos

On May 5, 2025, more than 30 anti-Israel protesters at the University of Washington were arrested for trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct and conspiracy. Before the incident, the group that led this effort, Students United for Palestinian Equality & Return (SUPER), posted a link to its manifesto on Instagram.

Federal defendant Mohamad Hamad, charged in a superseding indictment for conspiracy to build and detonate a destructive device along with co-defendant Macaiah Collins, has been detained by a federal judge and will remain in custody according to a May 1, 2025, detention hearing. Hamad, a self-proclaimed Hamas operative, allegedly conspired with co-defendant Tayla Lubit to graffiti targeted, antisemitic messages at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

The Jewish Federation’s Security Team is excited to invite you to our two upcoming events: Monday, April 28 @ 6 PM: Online Safety & Digital Responsibility with Felicia Trovato, Community Outreach Specialist, FBI Pittsburgh. Wednesday, April 30 @ 11:30 AM: Emergency Preparedness Webinar.

A federal judge denied defendant Mohammad Hamad’s request that his current home detention be lifted in United States v. Hamad, Lubit (the July 29, 2024, graffiti attack at Federation and Chabad of Squirrel Hill). The government revealed it uncovered additional evidence post-arrest that indicates Hamad is both a danger to the community and a flight risk.

After several months of planning, the University of Pittsburgh has formed a working group to help combat Antisemitism and make campus safe and inclusive.

Secure Community Network (SCN) issued a bulletin projecting an elevated threat level during Passover. The threat potential is exacerbated due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. Remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to 911 and us via our Incident Report Form.

Secure Community Network (SCN) issued a bulletin this week projecting an elevated threat level during Passover. The threat potential is exacerbated due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. Remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to 911 and us via our incident report form.

For awareness, there is a planned protest at Schenley Plaza today, March 14th at 5 pm, part of which will include opposition to Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest by ICE and detainment for leading “activities aligned with Hamas” at Columbia University. Organized by National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), today’s protest falls under a “day of action,” which has continued for several days.

Please Be Aware In a court hearing this morning, The Project for Responsive Democracy (PRD) acknowledged that it’s Not on Our Dime anti-Israel referendum petition, filed on February 18, 2025, lacked enough valid signatures from registered Pittsburgh voters to qualify for the Primary Election ballot. This referendum posed a direct threat on Pittsburgh’s financial stability, […]

Aidan Harding, a known member of a local neo-Nazi group has been arrested by the FBI for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and is being held in custody. During his detention hearing, evidence was presented about his targeting of the Pittsburgh Jewish community with antisemitic flyers/stickers, his racially motivated extremism (namely his hatred of Jews), and his possession of 20 firearms. Please know that throughout this investigation, we were in communication with law enforcement and at no time did Harding pose a direct threat to any of our Jewish organizations or members of our community.

Clashes broke out in the Borough Park area of NYC on Tuesday evening after pro-Palestinian protesters “descended” on one of the heaviest Jewish-populated areas in the US. City leaders described the pro-Palestinian group’s actions as antisemitic, adding that they were looking to incite violence and fear.

Several police departments in the Pittsburgh area are issuing warnings about door-to-door sales scams that are increasing across our area. You can view some tips for protecting yourself at The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement this week regarding potential changes to the threat environment following President Trumps press conference on its posture in the Gaza region. Spontaneous protests targeting Jewish community may occur.

David Aul was arrested for allegedly smashing a storefront window on the South Side. There is an Israeli flag hanging right above where the window was smashed, and the store owner reports he has experienced previous harassment due to displaying the flag. Aul had previously been arrested in 2022 for harassing members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community in Squirrel Hill.

Pittsburgh City Council is proposing a referendum that the City cannot discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, or association with foreign nations when it conducts business. This is in response to the proposed anti-Israel referendum led by a pro-Palestinian group that seeks to have the city stop doing business with companies tied to Israel.

We are closely monitoring the proposed three-phase Israeli-Hamas cease-fire hostage exchange deal, and its potential implications here in the US, regionally and locally.

Jack D. Molloy, indicted last week for lying to the FBI and supporting terrorism, had his arraignment in federal court this week. Molloy waived his detention hearing with the option of filing a motion for release at a later date. In the interim, Molloy remains detained. We will keep you posted on any changes.

We remain in a heightened threat environment, especially after DHS and FBI issued a Joint Intelligence Bulletin yesterday that cautions of the possibility of copycat ISIS-inspired attacks after the vehicle ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. We continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity.

Federal law enforcement and intelligence partners assess that the Jewish community is currently facing an elevated threat landscape during this holiday season, specifically regarding the use of large public gatherings as soft targets, protest and boycott action plans and cyber threats. Please remain situationally aware and have a personal security plan in place. If you need guidance on that, please contact us.