Although it is far from Montgomery County, the news out of Boulder this afternoon, where a peaceful charity walk and run—organized in support of the hostages held in Gaza—was targeted in a terrorist act of violence is deeply disturbing. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the entire Boulder community as they begin to process and recover from this horrific event. 

This marks the second violent attack in just the past month targeting the Jewish community. I know that here in Montgomery County, our Jewish residents are already living with heightened fear and concern following the attack at the Capital Jewish Museum. Incidents like this, even hundreds of miles away, only deepen that sense of unease. 

Our Police Department has been increasing patrols at synagogues, Jewish community centers, related institutions and affiliated events across the County. That added presence will continue. We take these threats seriously and remain in close coordination with our faith-based partners. 

In recent years, we’ve expanded our investments in nonprofit security grants to help faith-based and community organizations enhance protections, because we know that hate is not contained by geography—and preparation saves lives. 

 We will continue to stand with our Jewish community—and with all communities targeted by hate—and speak for tolerance and community. 

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