The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department is increasing patrol checks of West Hollywood Jewish community locations after synagogue shootings in Los Angeles. Two men were shot outside synagogues in the Pico-Robertson area over the past two days.
“We are aware of two separate shooting incidents involving members of our Los Angeles community,” reads a statement by The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. “One occurred yesterday near the intersection of Shenandoah and Cashio Streets, where a Jewish man was shot but has survived. Another shooting happened this morning near the intersection of Pickford and S. Bedford Streets. While at this time there is no indication that either incident is a hate crime, our Community Security Initiative has been in touch with local law enforcement to make sure our Jewish community is being kept safe. At this point, LAPD has confirmed to us that they are increasing patrols in areas where our community is located. We have reached out and are coordinating with Jewish sites in the vicinity. We will keep you updated with any further details.
The Los Angeles Police Department is also providing increased security around Jewish institutions across the city after the shootings. They are searching for a suspect in both shootings who is described as a male Asian with a mustache and goatee who was last seen in a white compact vehicle.
The first shooting occurred Wednesday morning around 10 a.m., near the intersection of Shenandoah and Cashio streets. A male was shot in the back while he was walking to his car.
The second shooting took place on Thursday morning at around 8:30 a.m., near Pickford and South Bedford streets. The male victim was shot on the arm while walking on the street.
Both incidents occurred about two blocks away from each other, reports The Jewish Federation. There are several synagogues within a few blocks of the shooting sites.
“I feel sick hearing that two Jewish men were shot outside a Synagogue in Pico Robertson,” posted West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne. “Our LASD officers are patrolling our Jewish community locations in West Hollywood to keep our community safer. No one should have to fear violence because of who they are.”
If you see something, say something. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. If you see something, say something. Anyone with any information on a crime can also drop a tip at https://www.lacrimestoppers.org.
