NORTH HOLLYWOOD–On Thursday morning, two Jewish congregants of Adat Yeshurun Valley Sephardic Orthodox synagogue were shot as they entered the North Hollywood synagogue. The following is a statement from Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank), who represents the area in the state Legislature:
As we pray for the wounded in what was truly a senseless act of violence, it’s important that we do not rush to judgment as the police continue to investigate this horrendous crime.
This morning, I sent my heartfelt condolences to the families of the wounded, the congregants of Adat Yeshurun and the community of North Hollywood, where this shooting occurred. No neighborhood should have to go through what they did this morning. But I was heartened by how quickly the community pulled together in the face of this tragedy. If there is a silver lining, it is that the community, police and rabbis coalesced as one to console, investigate and provide vital information that will hopefully lead to the closure of this case.
My heart is with Rabbi Gabbay, his congregants and the family that now is forced to deal with the memory of gun violence. I hope we can soon finalize the investigation, aggressively prosecute the perpetrator, and demonstrate that Angelenos will not tolerate gun violence nor allow intolerance to divide us.
Police backed away from initial claims that the attack was a hate crime. One of the victims may have been targeted, police say, but the investigation is ongoing. Both men are recovering at hospitals.