Police in Ontario region increasing presence after double murder at Israeli embassy in Washington

Police in Durham Region have increased their presence at places of worship, schools, and public gathering sites in the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, where two Israeli embassy staff members were killed by a man who yelled “free, free Palestine” after his arrest.

“We want to reassure the public that we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We recognize the impact this incident has had, particularly on Jewish community members … and threats to them are taken very seriously.”

“Hate speech and hate-motivated crimes have no place in our region. We remain committed to building a safe, inclusive, and respectful community for all.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is “devastated and appalled” by the killing of the two young embassy staffers, who were leaving an event at a Jewish museum when they were shot and killed.

In a post on social media, Carney says this was a targeted attack against the Jewish community and he condemns it “in the strongest terms.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said antisemitism and the “violence and fear it brings are beyond deplorable and must stop.”

With files from Canadian Press