Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino and Tuckahoe Police Chief John Costanzo

Feb. 24, 2020 – White Plains: On Sunday, Governor Cuomo confirmed emailed threats to 18 local Jewish Community Centers across the United States including one in the Albany area, forcing the evacuation of the building. State and national law enforcement agencies are investigating the threats. No distinct threats were made to any organization in Westchester County.

Following the reports, District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. reminded Westchester Jewish organizations of the Office’s continued commitment to the safety of all faith-based community groups but especially those facing anti-Semitic threats.

“Once again, the rise of anti-Semitism and the rise in hate incidents is concerning to all of us,” DA Scarpino said. “As always, my Office remains vigilant in helping to assess potential threats through the work of our Westchester Intelligence Center. The WIC engages in hate crime/hate speech intelligence gathering through partnerships with the U.S. Justice Department, FBI, U.S. Homeland Security, New York State Police, NYPD and others. The WIC serves as a conduit between these agencies and the Westchester law enforcement community in the collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence bulletins, alerts and tips. We have ongoing partnerships with the Westchester Jewish Council Security Committee and the Anti-Defamation League, maintaining membership in its regional law enforcement advisory council. Together, we will continue to monitor the situation and work to keep Westchester safe.”

 Pictured: DA Scarpino addresses nearly 800 attendees for a discussion about the rise of anti-Semitism presented by UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester and the Westchester Jewish Council. Temple Israel Center in White Plains. (photo credit: Michael Priest Photography) Jan. 10, 2020.