Man with reported history of animus towards Jewish community arrested in connection with shootings of two men outside LA synagogue

A man with a reported history of animus towards the Jewish community has been arrested in connection with shootings of two men outside synagogues in the Pico-Robertson neighbourhood of Los Angeles over two days.

The first shooting took place at around 10:00 on Wednesday, near the intersection of Shenandoah and Cashio streets. A man in his forties was shot in the back while walking to his vehicle, according to the authorities.

The second shooting occurred was around 08:30 on Thursday, about two blocks away near Pickford and South Bedford Streets. A man walking home was shot in the arm.

Both victims have survived the attacks.

The suspect was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon, after local and federal law enforcement tracked him to an area in Riverside County and recovered a rifle and a handgun.

The LAPD said that “the facts of the case led to the crime being investigated as a hate crime,” adding that there would be increased police patrols around synagogues and neighbourhoods over the weekend.

The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, said: “At a time of increased antisemitism, these acts have understandably set communities on edge. Just last December, I stood blocks away from where these incidents occurred as we celebrated the first night of Hanukkah together. Now, my pledge to the Pico-Robertson community and to the City of Los Angeles as a whole, is that we will fight this hatred vigorously and work every day to defeat it.”

A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “We commend the Los Angeles Police Department for swiftly arresting a suspect in connection with these heinous shootings. Given the circumstances, it is right that these incidents are being treated as hate crimes, and the involvement of the US Attorney will come as some reassurance to the community. It is a fundamental right to be able to worship and practice religious rites in peace. We will continue to monitor the case.”

Image credit: Google