Please Be Aware
There has been a lot of information on the news and social media relative to what was written in the gunman’s journals as well as on the gunman’s firearms in the tragic Catholic school shooting in Minneapolis on Aug 27th that left two children dead and 17 people injured. Details continue to emerge, but we know that the writings include multiple antisemitic messages, names of and references to previous mass shooters to include the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, and “Destroy HIAS.” Please continue to always exercise vigilance and situational awareness. And please know we have incredible support resources in our community to include the 10.27 Healing Partnership and JFCS.
On Aug 26, Jeremy Brokaw of Ohio was found guilty of 160 Summary Offense violations of the PA Motor Vehicle Code in relation to the multiple incidents of racist and antisemitic literature that were thrown from Brokaw’s vehicle on May 18, 2025, in the Squirrel Hill area. Brokaw was found guilty of 80 counts of Littering and 80 counts of Permitting the Violation of Title (owner permitted vehicle to be used in crime). Total fines and costs may exceed $50,000. Brokaw has 30 days to appeal his convictions to the Court of Common Pleas, and plans to do so.
There has been a series of swatting calls to colleges and universities across the country this week. In each of these incidents, the calls are going directly to local law enforcement and the caller states there is an active shooter. This is overlaid with the sound of gunshots in the background. In all of these swatting cases, the caller states that the shooter is in the library. There has been at least 10 of these calls in the last several days. See the bulletin here SCN SITUATION REPORT: Hoax Threats Continuing to Target U.S. Colleges and Universities Nationwide.
So far in 2025, we have logged 234 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 202 for 2024. We continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents via the Incident Report Form.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- $50K fine: Man accused of throwing antisemitic flyers out of car in Pittsburgh (wtae.com)
- Man who shot blanks inside S.F. synagogue convicted of hate crime (jweekly.com)
- White supremacist convicted of killing Jewish inmate in Illinois prison (MyStateline.com)
- Philly Jewish Museum’s Israeli flag defaced with red paint (inquirer.com)
BluePoint Status
Charles Morris installation is now complete. BluePoint is now live in 33 of the 36 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 28 of our organizations, enabling law enforcement to have immediate access in an emergency.
Security Resources and/or Training
The NSGP Toolkit: The Investment Justification
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, for an in-depth tutorial on how to complete the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application, the Investment Justification. Speakers Ilene P. Cohen Physical Security Specialist Secure Community Network Shawn Brokos Director, Community Security Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Understanding Online Risks for Our Kids – What Every Parent Needs to Know
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ESTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
Presentation will focus on the significant threat of violence posed by and against juvenile and young adult threat actors driven by Nihilistic and other extremist beliefs. Attendees will receive a basic overview of the current threat landscape, with special emphasis on the emerging threat posed by actors who employ sadistic online exploitation tactics such as child sexual abuse, sharing of child sexual abuse material, sextortion, doxing, swatting, self-harm, animal cruelty, or other violent acts...
The NSGP Toolkit: The Threat Landscape
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, as we review threats and risks facing our communities to help support a strong and comprehensive Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application. Speakers TBD
The NSGP Toolkit: Best Practices
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, as we explore best practices, tools, and techniques that can empower your organization's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) planning. Speakers TBD
Request Training for Your Organization →
If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
