Hello community members of WLA Division. This is Captain Rich Gabaldon, the Area Commanding Officer of West Los Angeles Division. West LA Division and the LAPD are aware of the “Al Aqsa Flood” rhetoric that has flooded the news and social media. While there is no specific intelligence that would lead the LAPD to believe any type of lone wolf terror attacks are being planned or will occur in the City of Los Angeles, I wanted to reach out and let you know that we are taking these potential threats seriously.
Although we have no specific intelligence of an upcoming attack it is important the community remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they may have observed or heard of occurring in their neighborhoods.
I have instructed WLA Division to bring in additional officers both on duty and on overtime to be assigned extra patrols in our predominantly Jewish communities, synagogues, and any pro-Israeli rally’s. Our Social Media officers, Major Crimes Division, and our Operations West Bureau are monitoring any domestic and global incidents that may occur regarding the 13th. Because Europe and the east Coast are 12 hours and 3 hours ahead of us respectively, we should have a window of opportunity to report and prepare for any potential incidents that may occur in Los Angeles and WLA Division.
My pledge to the community in WLA Division is to use all of my available resources and available department resources to ensure the community is safe as we navigate through these difficult times. Please feel free to reach out you your Senior Lead Officers with any questions or information you have. Also feel free to contact me directly if I can alleviate any of your concerns. I appreciate all your help.
Respectfully
Captain Rich Gabaldon
Commanding Officer WLA Division