Please Be Aware
The man accused of breaking into Governor Shapiro’s residence and setting it on fire on the second day of Passover pled guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson, 22 counts of arson, burglary, and other related offenses on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The Governor’s residence was severely damaged during the fire but Governor Shapiro, his wife, his four children, guests and staff members were able to escape. See below article for more detail.
If you missed our big news in last week’s Security Newsletter, here it is again! The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, in partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN) announced the launch of our Embedded Analyst Program (EAP) to serve the Pittsburgh area and surrounding region. This initiative provides for a full-time Intelligence Analyst to be embedded with our Security Team at the Federation. Read the article below for further detail.
So far in 2025, we have logged 267 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 251 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
- Federation, SCN enhance community security with Embedded Analyst Program (jewishchronicle.com)
- Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at governor’s mansion (apnews.com)
- Pro-Hamas hackers disrupt North American airports (jns.org)
- Freehold Regional students planned Holocaust-themed Halloween costumes (app.com)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint is now live in 33 of the 36 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 29 of our organizations, enabling law enforcement to have immediate access in an emergency.
Security Resources and/or Training
FY2025/2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Guidance
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN) and subject matter experts for a workshop on the NSGP implementation process, including completing the Environmental & Historic Preservation Form (EHP), with a Q&A session at the conclusion of the webinar.
10-Minute Weather Safety Series: Winter Weather
This interactive session features a live Q&A where our experts will provide practical, actionable strategies for snowstorms and other severe winter conditions, alongside best practices for emergency planning. You will be familiarized with the essential steps and considerations to help yourself and your community remain prepared, safe, and resilient throughout the season. Presenter Murray Snow Director, Emergency Preparedness Secure Community Network
BeAware™: An Introduction to Situational Awareness
This training will teach you how to recognize suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior and threats and what to do. Designed for all community members, BeAware™ covers basic situational awareness and how to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Speakers Chad Lotman Director, Training Secure Community Network John Piser Deputy Director, Planning & Preparedness Secure Community Network
In the event of an emergency, please be aware that we have adopted the Standard Response Protocol to best communicate across communities and emergency response teams.
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.
