A gunman fired two shotgun rounds outside an Albany synagogue Thursday, shortly before the start of the Hannukah holiday. The 28-year-old suspect reportedly shouted “free Palestine” after discharging his weapon. There were no reported injuries.
Officials, who have not released the name of the alleged shooter, stated that the incident happened around 2 p.m. outside of Temple Israel on New Scotland Ave.
Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters that the person in custody was a ‘local resident.’
As a result of the disturbance, the governor also said that she had directed the New York State Police and National Guard to increase their security presence around Jewish organizations for the duration of the eight-day holiday.
Albany's police chief, Eric Hawkins, announced that the investigation is being treated as a hate crime and that the FBI is assisting his detectives.
The congregation's Rabbi, Wendy Love Anderson, thanked the staff of Temple Israel for keeping the occupants safe during the shooting and said, “After this press conference, we’re going to be lighting Hanukkah candles, because we need light in darkness.”
Related Story: Hanukkah Menorah Lightings Canceled as Towns Remove Jewish Symbols Over Hamas War
