Please Be Aware
Aidan Harding, a known member of a local neo-Nazi group has been arrested by the FBI for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and is being held in custody. During his detention hearing, evidence was presented about his targeting of the Pittsburgh Jewish community with antisemitic flyers/stickers, his racially motivated extremism (namely his hatred of Jews) and his possession of 20 firearms. Please know that throughout this investigation, we were in communication with law enforcement and at no time did Harding pose a direct threat to any of our Jewish organizations or members of our community. We are grateful for community members who brought the stickering, flyering and banner drops to our attention. Please read this press release for more information, as well as the below article, about this ideology and actions, Western District of Pennsylvania | Crescent Township Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials | United States Department of Justice.
So far in 2025, we have logged 45 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 36 for 2024. 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.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Glenwillard man faces prison time on child porn charges (audacy.com)
- Jewish Federation, city controller challenge BDS referendum question (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
- Trial opens in Germany for 4 alleged Hamas members accused of stashing weapons across Europe (timesofisrael.com)
- Pakistani to be extradited to US for ISIS-inspired mass shooting plot to kill NYC Jews (nypost.com)
- Antisemitic live streamer admits to making bomb threats against NYC Jewish hospitals (nydailynews.com)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint installation at Upstreet is scheduled to begin next week, 3/3. Riverview A and Riverview B installation dates are to be determined. Final walkthroughs at Charles Morris and Yeshiva Boys School are being scheduled. 28 of our organizations are online with BluePoint, with five more coming online by April 1, 2025. Police boxes have all been installed at 16 of our organizations.
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.
