(BrightPress.org) – A deranged lunatic shouting “Free Palestine” fired a shotgun outside a synagogue in Albany on December 3rd, the first day of Hanukkah.
Police arrested the 28-year-old man outside the Temple Israel but did not identify him by name.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said she was directing the state’s law enforcement agencies to be on “high alert” and that she instructed there be increased patrols for Hannukah celebrations considered at-risk. Hochul further said that New York considers the safety of Jewish citizens “non-negotiable.”
Police said that a bystander confronted the gunman after he fired two shots into a nearby wooded area. The bystander said that the suspect informed him that he felt victimized. Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said that the suspect was interviewed by detectives and FBI personnel.
The shooting follows several outbursts of anti-Semitic incidents across the globe in the fallout of an October 7th surprise attack by Hamas on Israel and subsequent Israeli retaliation.
Mayor Eric Adams informed the press Thursday night that the NYPD was on “high alert” and they were prepared for the possibility of disruptions to holiday celebrations. The annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting was swarmed by protesters, including one who carried a sign with a large swastika comparing the Israeli military to mid-20th century fascists. The NYPD made 7 arrests during that event.
Adams said New Yorkers should feel safe to celebrate their holidays and “practice their faith in peace.” He further indicated the NYPD would protect that right.
A 69-year-old man was killed in California after an altercation on the street during a protest turned violent. Paul Kessler was allegedly struck by a pro-Palestinian protester who threw his megaphone, which caused him to stumble and fall backward, hitting his head on the hard pavement. Witnesses describe a tense and aggressive crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters.
A witness told the New York Post that the protesters were “extremely aggressive” and attempting to incite a response from police with jeers and heckling.
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