NYC on High Alert as NYPD Increases Security at Jewish Sites Following Boulder Terror Attack

Following the recent attack at a demonstration for Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, the NYPD is enhancing security measures at Jewish sites throughout New York City. The measure comes following the assault yesterday when a makeshift flamethrower was used to burn at least six people. The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack, according to statements given to AMNY. This is the second time in recent weeks that an anti-Semitic incident has involved the phrase, recalling a May 21 event in which two Israeli embassy staffers were fatally shot.

With Shavuot, a significant Jewish holiday, underway, Mayor Eric Adams has promised to not only increase police presence but also to continue proactively to ensure the safety of New York's Jewish community. "We will not rest until we root out this unacceptable violence and rhetoric from our communities," Mayor Adams stated, as obtained by AMNY. The NYPD shared this sentiment on X, mentioning the deployment of "high visibility patrols and heavy weapons teams" around religious sites.

The Boulder attack has sparked a nationwide conversation, with Gov. Kathy Hochul stating, "The global rise in antisemitism is a danger to all of us. We will continue to fight it every place it rears its ugly head to keep our Jewish communities safe," according to a report by ABC7NY. Meanwhile, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey has released a statement reassuring that there is currently no known threat to local communities, but they remain in close contact with law enforcement.

Reactions continue to pour in as elected officials condemn the anti-Semitic actions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries firmly addressed the issue, stating, "Antisemitism has no place in our nation or anywhere throughout the world. It must be crushed. We stand with the Jewish community today and always," as Jeffries told AMNY. These increased security measures aim to offer immediate reassurance to the Jewish community in response to widespread concern across the city and the country following these incidents.