Please Be Aware
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. While some expressed frustration that law enforcement did not make arrests fast enough, the complaint affidavit detailed in the below article makes it clear that this was a complex and thorough investigation that took several months. Parts of the investigation are still ongoing.
As we approach Election Day, we are closely monitoring intelligence for potential civil disruptions or threats. The latest intelligence states, “With the United States presidential election on the horizon, the threat environment in the U.S. remains high as domestic extremists pose an increased threat of politically motivated attacks against individuals involved in election infrastructure and the U.S. government.” Please remain vigilant and situationally aware. Continue to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and the Jewish Federation via the Incident Report Form.
Chicago Police arrested a 22-year-old man who shot a Jewish man walking to services on Saturday on felony hate crime and terrorism charges. See the below article for more information. Evidence found on the suspect’s phone showed the shooting had been planned, and it also showed his hatred of Jews.
Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 246 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 220 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
- 2 charged with vandalizing Jewish buildings in Pittsburgh (CBSnews.com)
- Ahead of election, Jewish security groups are monitoring conspiracy theories, Jewish polling sites and foreign interference (jta.org)
- Secure Community Network, Jewish groups, launch plan to protect voters on Election Day (JNS.org)
- Two teens, 18, charged with hate crime, felony vandalism in Thousand Oaks (ktla.com)
BluePoint Status
This week we will be doing the installation of BluePoint at Friendship Circle, Bnai Emunoh and Shaare Torah.
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
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 ...
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.
