Suspect charged with hate crimes in shooting of 2 Jewish men in LA
The man arrested for targeting and shooting two Jewish men in a local neighborhood now charged with federal hate crimes and we're learning a lot more about 28 year old Jamie Tran and his history of making anti-Semitic statements plus the earlier gun charges that some say should have had him locked up in jail. I want to news read Amy Powell is live in Pico Union with new revelations tonight, Amy. And David last year the suspect Jamie Tran was arrested in Long Beach on felony charges of bringing a gun on school grounds. He made bail and was due in court later this month. But now if he's convicted on the hate crime charges he faces the possibility of life in prison. Worshipers leave a synagogue in the Pico Robertson area. Former policeman turned investigator Rudy Schwartz guarding the door to protect them.
Two Jewish men were shot in the community after leaving synagogues. One of the member on Thursday is from here and they're both doing fine. Thank God. 28 year old Jamie Tran is in custody charged with federal hate crimes. In the criminal complaint investigators say Tran admitted to looking up kosher markets on Yelp and then going to the neighborhood targeting victims. Both shooting victims were dressed in clothing that visibly identified their Jewish faith including black coats and head coverings. Police say Tran shot a man in his 40s on Wednesday and returned to the area on Thursday shooting a man in his 70s.
A criminal conduct is completely unacceptable. Hate crimes have no place in our community. Antisemitism has no place in our community. An LAPD officer responding to Thursday's shooting noticed a man fitting the suspect's description driving away from the area and snapped a photo of his license plate. While reviewing surveillance footage from the crime scene, the officer spotted a vehicle that matched the photo. License plate reader records placing Tran's car in the area of the two shootings at the time they occurred. Investigators say Tran has a history of making anti-semitic comments and threats.
The complaint detailing disturbing messages Tran is accused of sending to former classmates including one stating, quote, I want you dead, Jew. Tran was captured Thursday evening near Palm Springs. Police found an AK-style rifle and a handgun in his vehicle. To have someone come into our community and bring such violence, it's just completely shocking. In regard to the earlier charges in Long Beach, District Attorney George Gascon says Tran had no previous criminal record and also the office had no awareness of any allegations of threats against the Jewish community.
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