Please Be Aware
Upper St. Clair resident Jack Danaher Molloy was arrested by the FBI this week in Chicago for making false statements regarding his involvement in international terrorism, namely attempting to join Hizballah. The arrest affidavit outlines, among other things, his hatred of Jews. Please know that at no time were there any threats to our Jewish Pittsburgh community. We are grateful to the incredible work of the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office in this matter. Molloy is being held in Chicago pending transport to Pittsburgh. See press release and charging document for more information at www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/upper-st-clair-resident-charged-lying-fbi-regarding-involvement-hizballah.
Last weekend we saw significant antisemitic activity to include graffiti on the wall of the North Shore Riverwalk and murals defaced with spray paint. There were also two males observed waving nazi flags on the Liberty Bridge; both have been identified, and we are collaborating with law-enforcement on this incident. See article below for more information on both incidents.
Federal law enforcement and intelligence partners assess that the Jewish community is currently facing an elevated threat landscape during this holiday season, specifically regarding the use of large public gatherings as soft targets, protest and boycott action plans and cyber threats. Please remain situationally aware and have a personal security plan in place. If you need guidance on that, please contact us.
Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 280 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 265 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
- Racist graffiti along Pittsburgh riverwalk trail under investigation (cbsnews.com)
- Upper St. Clair resident arrested for lying to FBI (jewish chronicle.com)
- University of Michigan regent’s home vandalized with mason jars, pro-Palestine slogan (mlive.com)
BluePoint Status
Next week, we will begin installation of BluePoint at Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. We now have 22 of our organizations online with BluePoint.
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
Dave Wright Defensive Tactics Training
Pittsburgh, 15213 + Google Map
Feel empowered as you return to campus with this class that teaches: 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.
Threats and Risks Under the NSGP
To help your organization prepare to apply for NSGP funding in the FY2024/2025 season, SCN is hosting a series of informative webinars with security and grant professionals to guide your organization through the NSGP process. All webinars will be held from 2:00 to 3:15 PM ET.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Webinar Series
To help your organization prepare to apply for NSGP funding in the FY2024/2025 season, SCN is hosting a series of informative webinars with security and grant professionals to guide your organization through the NSGP process. All webinars will be held from 2:00 to 3:15 PM ET.
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.
