Please Be Aware
The security team had a very busy 2024! We responded to a total of 283 incidents, trained 7,580 people through 93 training sessions, helped secure approximately $2,015,000 in state and federal grants for our organizations, conducted 22 Security Assessments and rolled out our Virtual Block Watch Program.
Jack D. Molloy, previously arrested by the FBI on December 6 for lying to federal agents about his involvement in terrorism, has been transported from Chicago to Pittsburgh and is in the custody of the US Marshals Service. Yesterday he was indicted out of the Western District of PA on two counts of lying to the FBI, and one count of providing material support to Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The detention hearing is set for January 8 at 1:30 PM and the government seeks detention. Read the associated press release, which links to the previous complaint detailing Molloy’s intentions and ideology including an intense hatred of Jews and today’s indictment. Please see the article below.
Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 283 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 230 year to date 2023. We remain in a heightened threat environment, especially after DHS and FBI issued a Joint Intelligence Bulletin yesterday that cautions of the possibility of copycat ISIS-inspired attacks after the vehicle ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. 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.
First Aid/Winter Emergency Guidance
Winter is here and it’s a goodtime to prepare a Winter Safety Kit for your vehicle. Items should be placed in a box or a plastic storage bin to keep them together and accessible in your vehicle. These kit components can be found at local stores or online at websites like Amazon.com.
Here are some suggestions:
- Road Flares or Reflective Triangles.
- A reflective vest if you will be walking around near the roadway.
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
- Jumper Cables or a “Battery Jump Start” kit. Most of these battery packs will also charge devices (cell phones) and have an integrated flashlight. Some models are equipped with a pump to inflate your tires.
- Blankets and/or sleeping bags. “Mylar” blankets are sold in multi-packs for around a dollar a blanket. They work well as an inner liner to other blankets or spares if you need extra blankets. They are wind- and waterproof and are compact enough to be stored in almost any container.
- Extra winter clothing such as hats, jackets, boots and gloves.
- Hand warmer packets.
- Food and water. A few bottles of water, protein bars, granola bars, or emergency food bars are easy to store and are inexpensive.
- Snow shovel. Most auto parts stores and Amazon sell folding models for around $20.
- Ice melter, road salt or kitty litter in a plastic container. Most stores sell these in a smaller size container, or an old plastic coffee can will work.
- Extra window washing fluid, especially when you need to clear your windshield often.
- First aid kit.
- Tow strap or tow rope.
Maintaining at least half of a tank of fuel at all times and getting your battery and tires checked by a mechanic are also strongly recommended – cold temps can make a huge impact on car performance (and reliability).
These recommendations and other valuable information are part of the Federation’s “First to Respond” Course. For more information, please visit our Security Training & Resources page.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Upper St. Clair man indicted for allegedly trying to join terrorist group and lying to FBI (CBSnews.com)
- FBI says driver in New Orleans rampage acted alone and was ‘100%’ inspired by Islamic State group (APNews.com)
- Armed man arrested for plotting attack on Florida AIPAC office (timesofisrael.com)
BluePoint Status
Next week we will be doing installation of BluePoint at Squirrel Hill Food Pantry and Aleph Institute. 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
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.
