Governor Andrew Cuomo is called on the New York State Police to increase patrols at synagogues throughout the state after the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh.

The governor said in a statement:

The New York family grieves for those who were killed and prays for those who were injured in this heinous and horrific mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

While the nation awaits further details of what occurred, initial reports suggest that this senseless act of gun violence was an anti-Semitic attack and we stand together with the Jewish community in this difficult time as we always have before. As a precaution, I have directed State Police to increase patrols around Jewish centers and houses of worship across the state.

We, as a nation, must stand together and stand against the corrosive and destructive forces of hate in all of its forms.”

– N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo

In an effort to make sure a similar tragedy does not happen here in the Capital Region, Albany Police have made it their mission to monitor temples and Jewish community centers.

“Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh,” said Andrew Safranco, Beth Emeth Temple President.

In an effort to make sure a similar tragedy does not happen here in the Capital Region, Albany Police have made it their mission to monitor temples and Jewish community centers.

Safranco said the fact that this horrific shooting happened Saturday is particularly upsetting.

“Saturday is a part of our Sabbath.  It starts Friday at sundown to Saturday night at sundown as well.  It’s our holy time; our time of prayer, when we gather as a community to pray so the fact that this would happen during Saturday morning Sabbath services is just an atrocity,” said Safranco.

He said hate crimes such as this go against the constitutional rights that are nation was founded on, and wants members of his congregation to know that measures have been put in place to ensure their wellbeing.

“Certainly we will take heightened precautions, but our members will be safe here.  We will go on and we will continue to grow as a community.  We will support the community in Pittsburgh, and we will come together stronger as a Jewish community here in Albany,” said Safranco.

Members of this synagogue say activities will carry on as normal.