Security

The FBI Pittsburgh Division has created a program to help emphasizing the importance of protecting children online called Online Safety Starts With You.

Last weekend we had numerous reports of targeted, antisemitic flyering and stickering in the Squirrel Hill, Bloomfield and North Shore areas in what appears to be a coordinated effort Saturday night into Sunday morning. We are actively working with law enforcement on this.

The federal hate crime arrests from the July 29th graffiti at the Jewish Federation and Chabad of Squirrel Hill underscores the importance of video surveillance cameras as an investigative tool and their use in identifying perpetrators and vehicles. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents via the Incident Report Form.

The two defendants in the hate crime conspiracy to deface Chabad of Squirrel Hill and Jewish Federation had their preliminary hearing on Wednesday. The judge ordered that they remain on ankle monitors.

Two individuals were arrested Wednesday morning by the FBI for federal hate crimes and criminal conspiracy relative to the targeted antisemitic graffiti at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation on July 29, 2024. Parts of the investigation are still ongoing.

The planned “Week of Rage” that called for anti-Israel protest activity is close to an end. We had several protests throughout the Oakland area and a few minor incidents of vandalism. We are not aware of any credible intelligence reporting indicating a threat to the region. However, remaining vigilant and situationally aware is essential.

Shana Tovah! Wishing you a happy, healthy, sweet New Year. Please be aware we are closely monitoring the attacks by Iran in Israel and potential ramifications.

Social media reports are showing that October 7–11 has been deemed a nationwide “Week of Rage—1 Year of Genocide For For Gaza We Rise” during which students across the country and the world will “rise together for a week of rage to mark a year of genocide in Gaza.” This could impact college and university law enforcement partners and security operations on or near college campuses.

On Friday, Sept. 13, a resident of Squirrel Hill was arrested after trying to enter the Carriage House under the influence of a controlled substance. Please know that this conduct is not at all related to the Jewish community, it is the criminal activity of an isolated individual who is now in custody.

The preliminary hearing for the defendant accused of attacking two Pitt Jewish students last Friday evening on their way to Shabbat services has been postponed due to an ongoing psychological evaluation.

The investigation is ongoing into the attack of two Jewish Pitt students last Friday evening. The defendant has been charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person. Additionally, we are actively monitoring a planned nationwide day of action by the National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), as announced on the National SJP X/Twitter account. The day of action is scheduled for September 12, 2024.

The FBI warned that Iran-based cyber actors continue to exploit US and foreign organizations, targeting sectors across the US to include education, finance, healthcare, local government agencies and defense. Outside of the US, affected countries include Israel, Azerbaijan, and UAE.

Investigation continues to progress positively into the threatening targeted antisemitic graffiti at Chabad of Squirrel Hill, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and two Squirrel Hill residences. Please know that there are no known threats of violence at this time related to this.

This week, the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh, and a coalition of four local rabbis filed a legal challenge to a petition filed last week seeking to place a question on the upcoming ballot to amend the Pittsburgh City Home Rule Charter in response to a recently submitted petition for a referendum on the Pittsburgh City ballot.

We are working closely with our university public safety departments as we anticipate anti-Israel protests with the return of students to local college campuses.

On Monday, Chabad of Squirrel Hill, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and two Squirrel Hill residences were targeted with threatening antisemitic graffiti. Local, state and federal law enforcement are actively investigating. Please know that there are no known threats of violence at this time.

On Tuesday, July 23, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) security grant opened offering a possibility of $10M in grants to secure houses of worship and nonprofits that are vulnerable to hate crimes and terrorist attacks.