(NewsNation) — Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are tightening security at places of worship after two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
A young couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were gunned down while leaving an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum. The suspect yelled, “Free, free Palestine” as he was being arrested, police said. The attack came just days before the two were set to get engaged.
While the NYPD says there is no known connection between New York City and the attack in D.C., it is bolstering security at religious sites and cultural institutions across the city, home to the world’s second-largest Jewish community.
The NYPD said Thursday it is increasing its presence with high-visibility patrols, counterterrorism officers and heavily armed units.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office also announced heightened security measures across Southern Florida, including increased patrols at synagogues, mosques and Jewish schools.
“Due to the horrific targeted act of hate and violence in Washington, D.C., we are taking immediate steps to enhance security throughout Miami-Dade County,” the agency said in a statement Thursday.
Chicago police told NewsNation it has “special attention” on the Israeli consulate and places of worship, and is continuing to monitor the situation in D.C.
Philadelphia police said there does not appear to be a known connection to the city but urged community members to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
“We will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our local Jewish places of worship and community centers, to ensure the safety of all community members,” Philadelphia Police spokesperson Miguel Torres said in an email.
The gunman in Wednesday’s deadly attack has been identified by police as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago.
FBI agents raided a residence on Chicago’s Northwest Side Thursday morning as investigators try to piece together what happened, according to NewsNation affiliate WGN-TV.
According to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, Lischinsky had bought an engagement ring and was just days away from proposing to Milgrim on a planned trip to Jerusalem.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.