Patrols Increased Around Cleveland Heights Synagogues

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights officials have promised to increase security around synagogues and all religious institutions in the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

"The City Council and the people of Cleveland Heights offer our condolences to the people of Pittsburgh and all the members of the Tree of Life Synagogue. Our hearts are broken at the tragic events of this past weekend. It is a reminder to us all that we must remain vigilant in the support and protection of diversity in our own community and in other communities across the country," city leaders said in a post to social media.

The Cleveland Heights Police Department have been working local religious institutions to increase regular patrols. The city that off-duty officers are also being hired at all synagogues and Jewish schools in the neighborhood.

"Chief [Annette] Mecklenburg is working directly with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to ensure the safety and security of members of our community," the statement from the city said. "Mayor Carol Roe and Chief Annette Mecklenburg will attend [Monday's] vigil at the Mandel Jewish Community Center to show solidarity with our neighbors."

Neighboring Beachwood and University Heights police departments both announced they would increase regular patrols and would do everything necessary to protect local Jewish institutions. Those police departments will likely also have a presence at Monday's vigil.

The entire Greater Cleveland community was invited to band together at a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The event will be held Monday, October 29 at 5 p.m. in the Mandel Jewish Community Center's Stonehill Auditorium.

At least eleven people were killed when a lone gunman burst into The Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday and opened fire. The suspect in the attack is Robert Bowers. He was reportedly armed with an AR-15 and three Glock handguns.

The massacre, likely the deadliest assault on the Jewish community in American history, rocked the diverse Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pitssburgh and led alarmed religious leaders to express "grave concern" for the country's Jewish population.

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