(LOS ANGELES, CA – 02/17/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed the arrest of the suspect involved in the nonfatal shooting of two men in the Pico-Robertson, Calif., neighborhood on two separate incidents.
On Wednesday, it was reported that a man was shot in the back while walking home from a synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood. The next day, another incident occurred two blocks away, where another man was reported to be shot in the arm.
After arresting the suspect in Riverside County, the Los Angeles Police Department discovered that the suspect has a history of animus toward the Jewish community. They have classified the incidents as an ongoing hate crime investigation.
SEE: Man with animus against Jewish community arrested in L.A. shootings outside synagogues, sources say
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are extremely alarmed by the growing threat of antisemitism in this country. Antisemitic hate crimes have been occurring at an increasing frequency and are a threat to the fabric of our society.
“Our Jewish neighbors deserve to live in peace without the threat of violence. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community against any acts of hate and violence.
“We thank the Los Angeles Police Department for their prompt response and investigation of these incidents.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com