Los Angeles police and the county sheriff’s department boosted patrols around Jewish synagogues and neighborhoods Thursday following a pair of shootings in the West Los Angeles area.
The first shooting occurred around 9:55 a.m. Wednesday in the 1400 block of Shenandoah Street. The second occurred at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the 1600 block of South Bedford Street.
According to the Anti-Defamation League of Southern California, the victim of Thursday’s shooting was attacked while leaving a synagogue.
The victims in both shootings survived.
“We are aware of two separate shooting incidents involving members of our Los Angeles community,” according to a statement from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. “One occurred yesterday (Wednesday) near the intersection of Shenandoah and Cashio Streets, where a Jewish man was shot but has survived. Another shooting happened this morning (Thursday) near the intersection of Pickford and South 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 LAPD issued a statement confirming it is “aware of the concern these crimes have raised in the surrounding community,” LAPD said. “We have been in close contact with religious leaders as well as individual and organizational community stakeholders. In addition, we are re-allocating police resources to provide a highly visible and preventative presence in the area.”
Sheriff Robert Luna wrote on his Twitter page that his agency “will increase patrol checks around Jewish synagogues and Jewish centers in our jurisdictions. Patrol stations will remain vigilant and report any threats of violence to Major Crimes.”
Mayor Karen Bass also said her office is monitoring the situation and was
“These attacks against members of our Jewish community are unacceptable,” Bass wrote in a Twitter post.
LAPD officials said detectives believe the two shootings may have involved the same suspect, who was described as a male with a mustache and goatee, possibly driving a white compact vehicle.
Anyone with information was urged to contact 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.