A shocking incident took place in upstate New York on the eve of Hanukkah as a man fired a shotgun outside a Jewish temple in Albany. The suspect, who is said to have shouted “Free Palestine” as he was being taken into custody, did not cause any injuries during the incident.
The shooting occurred at around 2 p.m. outside Temple Israel, just hours before the start of the Jewish festival. The 28-year-old man responsible for the gunfire was quickly apprehended by law enforcement, although his name has not been made public. Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that the suspect is a local resident.
After the shots were fired, a passerby engaged in conversation with the gunman near the temple. Approximately 10 minutes later, the suspect dropped the shotgun and was subsequently detained by Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins and his team. The swift action of the officers prevented any further harm from occurring.
Governor Hochul shared her thoughts on the incident via Twitter, writing, “I am horrified and heartbroken by the news of a shooting outside Temple Israel in Albany today. At this time, it is more important than ever to stand united against hate and division. I stand with the Jewish community and pray for the peace and safety of all New Yorkers.”
In a statement, the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York thanked law enforcement for their quick response and emphasized that the safety and security of their community remains a top priority. The organization also urged their members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
As law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the shooting, the incident has sparked concern and outrage across the local community. Mayor Kathy Sheehan condemned the attack, emphasizing that such acts of hate have no place in Albany. She reaffirmed the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all its residents and places of worship.
In response to the shooting, Temple Israel announced that they would be working closely with law enforcement to review security measures and ensure the safety of their congregation. Rabbi Scott Shpeen expressed gratitude for the support and solidarity shown by the community and urged everyone to come together during this difficult time.
In the wake of this disturbing event, an outpouring of support from local leaders and community members has emerged, with many offering their thoughts and prayers to the Jewish community. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued unity and vigilance against acts of hate and violence.
