Chief reassures Jewish community after synagogue massacre

Ottawa police officers are increasing their patrols around the capital's Jewish institutions, and the police chief is denouncing hate and bigotry, in the wake of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting massacre.

Eleven people were shot and killed — including a woman from Toronto — while attending a baby-naming ceremony.

The shooting deaths have sent chills through the world, as well as the capital's Jewish community. 

“Hate, and these types of incidents, have no place in our society,” Chief Charles Bordeleau told reporters before Monday's police services board meeting. “We must all stand shoulder-to-shoulder and denounce them strongly.”

Chief Bordeleau was among the speakers at a vigil in Ottawa to honour and remember the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, where he met with local Jewish leaders.

“The Ottawa Police service is aware of their concerns, we mourn with them,” said Chief Bordeleau. “We have increased our patrols at different institutions across the city to ensure that we remain safe.”

Bordeleau says he understands the anxiety an incident like the Pittsburgh shooting can cause here at home, but adds that there have been no threats to Ottawa's Jewish community.