SEATTLE — Security concerns are heightened following a deadly shooting outside an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event in Washington, D.C.
Two Israeli embassy staffers, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday night. Police have apprehended a suspect who reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest.
The incident has prompted increased security measures at religious sites nationwide. Local organizations told KOMO News that security checks and armed security have been standard practice for years, but tragedies like Wednesday night’s shooting only highlight the importance of those security precautions.
“We can’t stop living our lives, and we have to just put the necessary precautions in place,” said Regina Friedland of the American Jewish Committee Seattle.
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Friedland told KOMO News that armed security and vetting attendees happen anytime the AJC hosts an event or gathering.
There’s no location given until after they’ve been vetted, and there is a whole process,” Friedland said. “This is our reality, and there’s really no sugarcoating it.
Despite ongoing investigations, it remains unclear how the shooter discovered the event’s location.
The Jewish community lives with security concerns every day,” Solly Kane with the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle said. “Our kids walk into preschools past armed guards. Our Jewish community members go to services at synagogues past security.
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Nearly two decades ago, a gunman opened fire at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, prompting the organization to form a security program called Safe Washington, which continues to provide training and safety protocols to over 100 Jewish institutions statewide.
“This isn’t new for the Jewish community,” Kane said. “Sadly, this is a reminder of the necessity of security, and we are grateful to have partners in local law enforcement, but the Jewish community is not strangers to dealing with security concerns.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle confirmed that their security team continues to work closely with local law enforcement, and there are currently no known local threats.
