“Authorities are also monitoring social media for other threats”
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said Sunday that police will step up surveillance and protection of groups targeted for hate crimes following threats against the Jewish community and a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado.
“I have asked the New York State Police to increase oversight and increase support for communities that are potential targets of hate crimes,” Hochul said. “Here in New York, we will not tolerate violence or bigotry against any community. We stand united against hate, today and every day.”
The State Police Counterterrorism Unit conducts outreach activities to synagogues and other Jewish community groups in the state, as well as LGBTQ groups. Authorities are also monitoring social media for other threats, according to Hochul.
On Saturday, law enforcement arrested two men in New York and confiscated weapons, including an illegal handgun, after one of the suspects threatened Jews. Jews are the target of hate crimes in New York City far more than any other group, in absolute and per capita terms.
