WASHINGTON, D.C. —Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the North American Jewish community, which operates locally under JEWISHcolorado, has been working closely with law enforcement, the FBI and other security partners to assess the threat landscape and support the community’s response in the wake of Wednesday’s shooting in Washington, D.C.
Two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally shot by a lone assailant following an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Young Diplomats group. The assailant was apprehended at the scene. The FBI has identified the incident as a “targeted attack” that is being investigated as an act of terror.
SCN and other security partners have issued this joint set of security recommendations for the Jewish community.
“This was a horrific and deeply traumatizing attack that has not only shaken our nation’s capital and Jewish communities across North America but marks an escalation. This was a targeted attack,” said Michael Masters, SCN National Director and CEO. “We mourn the loss of two innocent lives as we stand in solidarity with the Israeli Embassy, AJC, and all who are grieving. SCN is taking immediate action to enhance vigilance and security across our network as well as working with law enforcement to determine the full extent of the threat and ensure that every community has the guidance and tools it needs to remain safe and secure. This attack is a painful reminder of the threats we face, and a call to action for all of us to stand united in action against hatred and violence.”
SCN is assessing the potential for copycat activity, particularly in light of propaganda from foreign terrorist organizations calling for violence against Jewish communities. No ongoing threat to public safety has been identified, but as always in the wake of an incident, we urge heightened vigilance and preparedness measures, to include revisiting the following guidance:
- Recognize the Signs of Terrorism-Related Suspicious Activity – DHS
- Active Shooter Attacks: Security Awareness for Soft Targets and Crowded Places – DHS
- Suspicious Activity Reporting: Indicators and Examples – DHS
- Low-Cost/No-Cost Security Measures for Jewish Facilities
- Communicated Threats Checklist
- Leadership Safety Guide
- Facility Security Guidance
To report suspicious activity, contact your local law enforcement agency and reach SCN at 844-SCN-DESK or dutydesk@securecommunitynetwork.org. In Denver, to report an incident or to inquire about safety and security training, contact Kevin Farrington or Brian Maloney.
Secure Community Network contacts:
Kevin Farrington, Regional Security Advisor: kfarrington@securecommunitynetwork.org
Brian Maloney, Regional Security Advisor: bmaloney@securecommunitynetwork.org
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About Secure Community Network and JEWISHcolorado
The Secure Community Network (SCN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004 under the auspices of Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities, and other partners in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. SCN is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, life, and culture can not only exist safely and securely, but flourish. In Colorado, SCN operates as part of JEWISHcolorado, and was created in partnership with the Rose Community Foundation, the Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado, and the LiveSecure program at JFNA. JEWISHcolorado provides the services of SCN to its local community at no cost.