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
A Practical Discussion on Physical Security Improvements
Ask the Security Experts Join Secure Community Network for an interactive conversation about today’s most important physical security challenges. Hear practical recommendations from a nationally recognized security expert and leave with strategies you can put into action. PREPARE • PLAN • STRENGTHEN Speakers Debbie Gottlieb Director of Grants Management Secure Community Network Jeffrey Slotnick Founder & President, Setracon
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part A
Green Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part B
Green Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
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If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
