Dear Beach Community,

While traveling yesterday off campus, I learned that the person who is charged with shooting two individuals as they left synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles is both an alumnus and an individual whom our UPD arrested on July 3, 2022. His admitted crime in attacking two members of the Jewish community, his past armed presence on our campus, and his connection as an alumnus are factors that make this incident quite poignant to me, and inspired me to write to you all.

First, about his arrest last July. Our police department received a call that a man was on campus who might be carrying a gun. Our officers immediately apprehended him, confiscated his weapon without incident, and arrested him. He was then taken for booking and processing. His court date (for this arrest) was set for later this month.

While the record of this arrest is a public one, you may not have known about it. A few things: You are aware, of course, that the campus receives a “timely warning” alert when there is a danger to the community. Because this person was apprehended immediately, no “timely warning” was necessary because he posed no ongoing threat to the campus community. The campus was nearly empty on this summer holiday weekend. Except for the bystander who reported a concern, others were not involved. University Police often make arrests on or near campus, write up reports, transport individuals to the appropriate jurisdiction, and leave the matter in the hands of prosecutors. They are constantly on guard keeping “bad actors” away from our community members.

A tragic aspect of this case is that our alumnus is involved in the shooting of two Jewish men (thankfully, both expected to recover). The shooter has a history of threatening and anti-Semitic language and is being charged with a hate crime. As I mentioned in a November 14, 2022 message, hateful language leads to hateful violence. A cultural shift must occur that condemns hateful speech against any religious, ethnic, or identity group. I worry this latest assault against our common humanity will cause general community uneasiness and particular distress to our Jewish students, faculty and staff, especially in light of the documented national increase in anti-Semitic violence in recent years.

I know I can’t allay those concerns, but I do recognize the psychological and physiological damage living in violent times can do to all of us. Please reach out to the many resources we have on campus to support you in these anxious times. Also, please connect to each other to re-affirm our commitment to inclusiveness in word and action. Our Beach community is a real strength.

Finally, know that our University Police Department is vigilant and effective in its sworn mission to protect and serve each of you. Unless you scour their daily reports, you are likely unaware of their continuous work to safeguard our lives and property at the Beach. With your continued help as engaged bystanders, who call them about suspicious behavior you observe, we can maintain a secure and thriving community.

Take care!

Jane Close Conoley, Ph.D. President

For those seeking support, the Counseling and Psychological Services team stands ready to help students. Beach Hillel can also serve as important support for our Jewish students. For faculty and staff, the Empathia - LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program and the Jewish Employee Association can be resources.