A suspect was taken into custody Thursday after two Orthodox Jewish men were shot while leaving houses of worship in the city’s Pico-Robertson neighborhood, authorities said.
LAPD has confirmed the case is being investigated as a hate crime.
The suspect, described as an Asian male with a mustache and goatee, was taken into custody in Riverside County. Police believe he is responsible for both shooting incidents.
The first shooting occurred just before 10 a.m. Wednesday in the 1400 block of Shenandoah Street, said Los Angeles police. The victim’s condition was not immediately known.
The second shooting occurred Thursday around 8:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of S. Bedford Street, roughly two blocks from the first location. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was in stable condition, the Jewish Journal reported.
Following the suspect’s arrest around 5:45 p.m., detectives recovered several items of evidence including a rifle and a handgun.
Jewish community members believe the victims were targeted because of their faith.
“This is a horrific hate crime, and we have to find the criminal(s) who perpetrated this act,” said Rabbi David Baron of Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at Saban Theatre. “Who else would come out and shoot somebody specifically coming from a synagogue at a time of prayer?“
The shooting has left many community members on edge.
To see police cars outside the synagogues and the Jewish day schools is very concerning,” said Chaim Sternthal, a Pico-Robertson resident.
LAPD said they were reallocating resources to Pico-Robertson’s sizeable Jewish community.
“The LAPD is working with state and federal authorities on this investigation,” officials said Thursday night. “In an abundance of caution, there will continue to be an increased police presence and patrols around Jewish places of worship and…
Read the full article here
