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Nothing sacred: Houses of worship beef up security

Construction at Congregation Beth Israel will beautify its space—and improve security. EZE AMOS

Pittsburgh. Christchurch. Charleston. The list of communities devastated by mass murderers continues to grow, as the past weekend attests. And houses of worship have found that nothing is sacred to those determined to target people of certain religions or races.

Congregation Beth Israel realized that the weekend of August 12, 2017, when neo-Nazis marched through UVA Grounds chanting, “Jews will not replace us,” and past the synagogue intoning, “Sieg Heil.”

Alan Zimmerman, the synagogue’s former president, stood outside during services that weekend with an armed guard. A year later, after an anti-Semitic gunman killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Zimmerman wrote in USA Today, “I’d like to say I’m shocked at the shooting of Jews in Pittsburgh, but I’m not. Given what I saw in Charlottesville, it seems an inevitable tragedy.”

Mark Heller lives near the Charlottesville synagogue, and walking by recently, he noticed architectural plans titled, “Security upgrades for Congregation Beth Israel.” He saw a “new deep trench with a lot of rebar.”

Work is going on to replace a fence and beautify the front, says Diane Hillman, president of Congregation Beth Israel’s board. The upgrades will also “improve the security of the space,” which houses a preschool and kindergarten.

The trench and rebar Heller saw are for a bench for people to sit on that matches the steps, says Hillman, and she says the fence going up “is definitely not a wall.” Hillman declines to say how much the synagogue spends on armed guards, but “it’s significant.”

Given the times we live in, “It’s wise,” she says. “I know everyone is improving security.”

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Congregation Beth Israel received a 2018 grant from DHS’ Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

The Islamic Society of Central Virginia is also stepping up its security after a couple of incidents during Ramadan in May. In one, two congregation members said a car tried to target them as they walked from the mosque, says Saad Hussain, the organization’s outreach coordinator.

The mosque set up a GoFundMe account to beef up security “because of some recent events in Charlottesville the past few years,” he says. The facility has seen an increase in the number of people attending youth programs and daycare, and “the building is used more often during the day.”

A big difference compared to other religious centers is “the mosque is a place of worship where Muslims come to pray five times a day,” says Hussain. “Accessibility is very important.”

The Islamic Society of Central Virginia now has a police presence during its services and the nights of Ramadan. It has increased camera coverage, improved locks with swipe access for members, and consulted with law enforcement about what needs upgrading in the building, says Hussain. “We’re not going to take any chances with security.”

Other local houses of worship did not return phone calls from C-VILLE or declined to comment. First Baptist Church on Park Street recently held an event on church security conducted by Albemarle police Sergeant Gary Pistulka, who had not responded by press time.

“It’s a sad testament to our times,” says Heller. It’s disheartening every school in the United States has to have security guards. It’s disheartening to see this happening in a house of worship. I’m uncomfortable with it. I understand it, but I’m uncomfortable with it.”

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Close to home: Charlottesville reacts to Orlando massacre

Someone fired a gun on the Corner Saturday night. File photo: Martyn Kyle

 

A shot rang out in front of Eddy’s Tavern on the Corner after a dispute had taken place within the establishment Sunday, June 12 at 1:34am. Not even 30 minutes later, rounds of gunfire were unleashed in Orlando, an assault that is now lamented as one of the worst attacks since 9/11, and the deadliest mass shooting in American history.

The incident at Eddy’s began to brew with a noticeable disagreement between two people that broke out into a dispute near the patio, according to a release. Several minutes later, a gunshot was fired outside the restaurant. Charlottesville Police officers on foot patrol quickly responded and were met with a huge crowd at the scene, but the suspect, described as an African-American male in his early 20s with a stocky build wearing a white tank top, had already fled.

“Police were here right away for everyone’s safety,” says James Tharpe, head chef at Eddy’s. “No hysteria, no running, nothing like that took place. We still had our doors open because it was before 2 in the morning, but we [also] kept doors open so the police could come in and speak to individuals.”

Another report of gunshots occurred around 5am Sunday on Cherry Avenue. And less than a week earlier on June 7, officers were dispatched to Gordon Avenue. Students were notified of the gunman threat on Gordon and were instructed to avoid the area.

A public safety substation debuted in January on the Corner as a resource to help students who find themselves in high-risk situations.

“The reception area exists as a place for students that need to get home or if they don’t feel safe,” says Jerry Leon, substation program coordinator. “We can provide escorts for them, we can call cabs for them. Reception is here 24/7.”

Virginia is no stranger to gun violence and the Orlando nightclub shooting has now displaced the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre as the deadliest shooting by a sole gunman within the United States.

“It’s a terrible crime,” says Delegate Rob Bell. “Obviously we’re keeping these families in our prayers. It’s a terrorist incident on our soil,” Bell says he’d need to know more details about the Orlando investigation when asked about legislation to prevent this from occurring in Virginia.

“We are stunned by this senseless act of violence because Orlando could have been any one of our communities,” says 5th District congressional candidate Jane Dittmar. “It is a reminder of how easy it is for people who have deadly intentions to shoot Americans in a church, a school, a movie theater and now a nightclub. This was not just an attack on Floridians, it was an attack on all of us—on what defines us as a country.”

The shooter, Omar Mateen, pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State over a 911 phone call before committing the mass shooting. According to the New York Times, Mateen had been the subject of two investigations with the FBI for possible links to terrorism prior to the catastrophe, yet he was still able to legally purchase an assault weapon and held a firearms and a security-officer license.

The Islamic Society of Central Virginia strongly condemned the recent shootings in Orlando in a statement. “This attack does not represent the values or teachings of the Islamic faith or of the Muslim community and we stand united against any and every criminal act of this sort. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased at this extremely difficult time.”

Cville Pride is hosting a candlelight vigil at 7:30 pm tonight at the Free Speech Monument on the Downtown Mall.

 

 

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Another slaughter: Senate rejects gun restrictions

U.S. Congressman Robert Hurt says the latest shootings underscore the need to destroy ISIS. Submitted photo

Within a few days, Colorado Springs and San Bernadino became the scenes of the most troubling trend in America: The mass murders of unarmed citizens by gun-wielding killers.

The day after Syed Farook, aided by his wife, Tashfeen Malik, mowed down 14 of his coworkers at a holiday party, the U.S. Senate blocked legislation to keep those on the no-fly list from buying guns—or even waiting 72 hours to purchase firepower—and rejected background checks. C-VILLE asked our men on Capitol Hill whether Congress can do anything to stop the mass murders or is “run, hide, fight” the new norm in America?

Senator Tim Kaine: “Many in Congress have chosen to be bystanders to the epidemic of gun violence. Just yesterday, the Senate voted on a measure that would prohibit individuals on the terror watch list from buying firearms and explosives. I was disappointed to see this commonsense bill fail and lack strong bipartisan support. It is clear that we have a gun problem here in America and we must take action to help solve some of the issues that perpetuate this deadly cycle of violence. We may not be able to stop every gun crime, but we can make society safer by strengthening the background record checks system, restricting high-capacity magazines and making it illegal for suspected terrorists to purchase weapons.”

Senator Mark Warner (who did not vote on the December 3 gun legislation): “While there’s much we still don’t know about what happened in San Bernardino, Americans know this: Enough is enough. The time has long since passed for commonsense gun safety legislation to close loopholes, expand background checks and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the seriously, dangerously mentally ill.”

U.S. Representative Robert Hurt: “I am deeply saddened by the horrific act of violence that occurred in San Bernardino on Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those we lost as law enforcement continues to investigate what appears to be an act of terror.  It is vitally important that we keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill without infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. This situation also underscores the need to destroy ISIS and other agents of terror that are spreading their message of hate in the effort to incite violence in the U.S. and around the world.”

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UPDATED- Mass murder in America: What General Assembly candidates say

Mourning outside Norris Hall at Virginia Tech in 2007. Photo Tobias Beard

The slaughter of unarmed people has become a regular feature of American life. Relatively unknown Umpqua Community College in Oregon joined the body count list with nine gunned down in the October 1 rampage. President Barack Obama made his 15th speech on mass shootings since he took office, according to CNN. “We’ve become numb to this,” he said.

Obama called for politicization of the issue of gun safety: “This is a political choice that we make, to allow this to happen every few months in America.”

Virginia itself tops the list of massacres with Virginia Tech, where 32 people died April 16, 2007. Two months ago, the state was stunned when WDBJ’s Alison Parker and Adam Ward were gunned down during a live broadcast at Smith Mountain Lake.

Last week, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order he says is designed to keep guns away from people who would use them for harm. The order includes forfeiture of guns for those convicted of domestic violence and a ban on firearms in state government buildings.

C-VILLE asked the candidates for General Assembly what they would do to stop the carnage.

State Senator Creigh Deeds, D-25th District

This is a very complicated issue and a simple answer is not easily found. We have to adequately fund and staff our law enforcement agencies and give them the tools they need to combat crime. We need to improve services for those with mental illness, who are more likely to be the victim of a crime than the perpetrator, but some of these horribly tragic cases have involved someone who has struggled with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. We need to make certain that someone who is not legally able to possess firearms does not have access to them. And we need to remember the importance of early intervention programs and services to at-risk youth.

State Senator Bryce Reeves,
R-17th District

All life has a purpose. The indiscriminate slaughter of any individual is a tragedy. I believe that the General Assembly has a responsibility to do everything within its power to promote, protect and secure life at every stage.

Ned Gallaway, D-17th District

This is a very complex question to answer in a few sentences. First, we need to address interconnected issues including education, access to health care and intervention support services, especially for individuals with mental health concerns, access to social services and responsible gun laws. Prevention of mass murder will not be solved by addressing one single issue alone.

Delegate Steve Landes,
R-25th District

We need to make sure the resources for treatment of those afflicted with behavioral health issues and mental illness are available and accessible at the community level.

Angela Lynn, D-25th District

We need to make sure we focus on public safety.

Delegate David Toscano,

D-57th District

Common sense gun safety measures coupled with initiatives in mental health.

Delegate Rob Bell,

R-58th District

Virginia’s crime rate is the lowest it has been in decades, and the violent crime rate is among the lowest in the country. We should continue to support laws like truth-in-sentencing that keep our most violent offenders in prison, and also continue ongoing efforts to address those with serious mental health issues.

Delegate Matt Fariss,

R-59th District

I believe that someone who would do harm to another person, who is not a threat,
has a mental illness. And until we get a better handle on the stigma around mental illnesses and start treating them like a disease with better treatments, programs and facilities, these horrible acts will unfortunately continue. Our mental health system, statewide and nationally, needs improvement.

Updated October 21

Original story

The slaughter of unarmed people has become a regular feature of American life. Relatively unknown Umpqua Community College in Oregon joins the body count list with 10 dead from yesterday’s rampage. President Barack Obama made his 15th speech on mass shootings since he took office, according to CNN. “We’ve become numb to this,” he said.

“As I said just a few months ago, and I said a few months before that, and I said each time we see one of these mass shootings, our thoughts and prayers are not enough,” he said. “It’s not enough.”

Obama called for politicization of the issue of gun safety: “This is a political choice that we make, to allow this to happen every few months in America.”

Virginia itself tops the list of massacres with Virginia Tech, where 32 people died April 16, 2007. Little more than a month ago, the state was stunned when WDBJ’s Alison Parker and Adam Ward were gunned down during a live broadcast at Smith Mountain Lake.

C-VILLE asked the candidates for General Assembly what they would do to stop the carnage.

State Senator Creigh Deeds, D-25th District
This is a very complicated issue and a simple answer is not easily found. We have to adequately fund and staff our law enforcement agencies and give them the tools they need to combat crime. We need to improve services for those with mental illness, who are more likely to be the victim of a crime than the perpetrator, but some of these horribly tragic cases have involved someone who has struggled with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. We need to make certain that someone who is not legally able to possess firearms does not have access to them. And we need to remember the importance of early intervention programs and services to at risk youth.

State Senator Bryce Reeves, R-17th District
All life has a purpose. The indiscriminate slaughter of any individual is a tragedy. I believe that the General Assembly has a responsibility to do everything within its power to promote, protect and secure life at every stage.

Ned Gallaway, D-17th District
This is a very complex question to answer in a few sentences. First, we need to address interconnected issues including education, access to health care and intervention support services, especially for individuals with mental health concerns, access to social services and responsible gun laws. Prevention of mass murder will not be solved by addressing one single issue alone.

Delegate Steve Landes, R-25th District
We need to make sure the resources for treatment of those afflicted with behavioral health issues and mental illness are available and accessible at the community level.

Angela Lynn, D-25th District
We need to make sure we focus on public safety.

Delegate David Toscano, D-57th District
Common sense gun safety measures coupled with initiatives in mental health.

Delegate Rob Bell, R-58th District
Virginia’s crime rate is the lowest it has been in decades, and the violent crime rate is among the lowest in the country. We should continue to support laws like truth-in-sentencing that keep our most violent offenders in prison, and also continue ongoing efforts to address those with serious mental health issues.

Delegate Matt Fariss, R-59th District
I believe that someone who would do harm to another person, who is not a threat, has a mental illness. And until we get a better handle on the stigma around mental illnesses and start treating them like a disease with better treatments, programs and facilities, these horrible acts will unfortunately continue. Our mental health system, statewide and nationally, needs improvement.

Read more candidate responses to issues in this week’s C-VILLE Weekly on stands October 7.