Jewish Groups Take Precautions After Seattle Shooting

As a result of the fatal shooting of one employee and the wounding of five others at Seattle’s Jewish Federation last week, Jewish organizations all over the country are increasing their security measures and taking extra precautions in community centers, schools, and synagogues, reports The Seattle Times.

“We have always been concerned, aware, and alert to security issues,” said Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. “It’s the way of life today. But now, what’s happening abroad is enraging people who act out their hatred and anger not at the place of the conflict, but locally.”

Muslim groups have also begun to review safety measures near mosques because some religious leaders fear retaliation for the Seattle shooting.

On Friday, Naveed Afzal Haq burst into the Jewish Federation’s Seattle office, and, according to witnesses, announced that he was “a Muslim American, angry at Israel,” before he began shooting at random. He faces charges of aggravated murder and attempted murder.

The staff member killed last week was Pamela Waechter, director of annual giving at the federation.