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
First Quarter Faith-Based Security and Resilience Learning Series
The Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security and partners cordially invite you to attend the first quarterly event of our virtual learning series for faith-based organizations on Monday, March 24, 2025. In this first segment of our series, we will be hearing from Mr. Magnus Hakonsen, a survivor of the deadliest mass shooting in Norway's history. On July 22, 2011, Mr. Hakonsen was attending a political youth camp on the island of Utoya when a lone gunman attacked, killing 69 people and injuring 3...
Advanced Community Active Threat Training (CATT)
Pittsburgh, 15213 + Google Map
This event has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Feel empowered on campus with this class that teaches: The mind of the active shooter-predator vs. prey Situational awareness and survival mindset Basic self-defense techniques and weapons awareness and disarming techniques Reality based training Led by Dave Wright from Wrights Gym. Geared for college students but open to everyone. MADE POSSIBLE BY LEE AND LISA OLEINICK.
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.
