New York lawmakers condemn firing of shots outside Albany synagogue

New York lawmakers condemned the firing of a shotgun outside of the Temple Israel synagogue in Albany, New York on Thursday afternoon, officials said.

Nobody was injured in the shooting, which Albany Police and the FBI are investigating as a potential hate crime, The Times Union reported.

Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said a witness confronted the suspect after the shooting and the suspect yelled “free Palestine.” The suspect was arrested after the incident.

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) said she directed local and state police to be on high alert for antisemitic violence. Thursday was the first day of Hanukkah.

“Any act of antisemitism is unacceptable and undermines the public safety at our synagogues, [and on] the first night of Hanukkah is even more deplorable,” she said at a press conference Thursday. “Thankfully, at this time no one was injured in this incident.”

Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) shared a similar warning.

“Deeply disturbed over shots being fired outside a synagogue in Albany, especially as Hanukkah was set to begin,” she said. “Glad there were no injuries and that a suspect has been arrested. As the investigation proceeds, we must remain vigilant against the rise in antisemitism and hate.”

Synagogue leaders were shocked at the incident.

“After this press conference, we’re going to be lighting Hanukkah candles — because we need light in darkness,” Temple Israel Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson said.