Please Be Aware
This past week, there have been multiple nationwide messages circulating on social media warning of school shootings and bomb threats. Some of the threats have specific schools or locations listed, while others are more generic. There are currently no known credible threats to schools in Pennsylvania.
Separate from above, police determined that a 14-year-old student from Shaler Township was responsible for online threats that circulated Wednesday evening to local school districts to include Armstrong, Butler, Hampton, North Hills, Pine Richand, and Sto-Rox.
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.
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.
Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 209 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 192 year to date 2023. We remain in a heightened threat environment and are working 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
- Caught on video: Suspect urinates on Long Island family’s door, yells antisemitic slurs (cbsnews.com)
- Security upped at NYC synagogues after foiled terror plot, NYPD says (cbsnews.com)
- Antisemitic vandalism on Charlotte YMCA bus, sign, sidewalk (charlotteobserver.com)
BluePoint Status
If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org.
Our BluePoint training video and refresher video are available on YouTube. These are useful for new staff or as a reminder for existing staff.
Security Resources and/or Training
Online Safety & Digital Responsibility
Pittsburgh, PA 15217 United States + Google Map
Open to the Public The Jewish Federation is hosting an evening of discussion about cybersecurity awareness for younger students and their families with Felicia Trovato, Community Outreach Specialist, FBI Pittsburgh. Join a discussion with FBI Pittsburgh about online safety for students in grades 5 through 9. Registration is required. Topics Covered Online Safety & Situation Awareness Cyberbullying Awareness Trusted Adults & Seeking Help Digital Footprint & Permanence Text Message Et...
Emergency Preparedness Webinar
"If it is predictable, it is preventable." ~Gordan Graham Hazards, both manmade and natural, are a concern for all organizations. Establishing an All-Hazards Plan will not only assist in preventing many known threats, it will also provide a roadmap to mitigate these hazards. Continuity of Business Plans are the next step and crucial to direct how to move forward and restore your organization. This Webinar prepares organizations to handle emergencies by building All-Hazards and Continuity of...
Guardian Training
Please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252 to schedule this training.
Situational Awareness, Active Threat, and De-Escalation Training
If you or your organization have not yet had these training modules, please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252. All can be made available in person or via Zoom.
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.
