The Monterey Park City Council last week released a statement denouncing the shootings of two Jewish men after they left services at synagogues in Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood.

The two were wounded after leaving prayer services on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, respectively.

The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody in Riverside County. Los Angeles police believe he is responsible for both shootings and confirmed the cases were being investigated as hate crimes.

Monterey Park itself is still recovering after a shooter took the lives of 11 people at Star Ballroom Dance Studio and attempted to do the same at Alhambra’s nearby Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio.

“These acts of senseless gun violence in recent months continue to claim lives of innocent people and have no place in our communities or in our country,” said Mayor Jose Sanchez in a statement. “The Monterey Park City Council stands united with the City of Los Angeles in denouncing anti-Semitism, hate crimes and gun violence. We send our thoughts to the victims, their families and the entire community affected by this heinous attack. We are committed to supporting communities that have experienced the pain of gun violence and share in your grief.”

Jamie Tran, 28, acknowledged intentionally shooting the two victims, according to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint and arrest warrant.

Tran allegedly told agents that he searched for a “kosher” market on the social media application Yelp. After locating a kosher market, Tran drove to the market and selected his victims because of their “head gear,” he said, according to the affidavit.

Mayor Karen Bass, other elected officials and Jewish leaders across Los Angeles County attended a town hall Monday night in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood that drew more than 100 people to address antisemitic violence.

Bass said it was important as hateful messages spread via flyers and freeway banners that “we act aggressively and immediately at the first sign of anything.”

According to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitic behavior nationwide, found 2,717 incidents in 2021 — 34% rise from the year prior. Incident data is gathered from firsthand reports from victims, law enforcement and media outlets, as well as reports obtained by regional offices across the country.

This data is used to assess the frequency and level of antisemitic incidents across the country. The results are published annually but updated monthly via an interactive H.E.A.T. (Hate, Extremism, Antisemitism, Terrorism) Map.

Bass called for more cameras and license plate readers, and for police to increase patrols. Additionally, She said her administration would poll all the neighborhoods in the city to get a sense of “what do Angelenos need to feel safe?”

“Antisemitism has no place in Los Angeles, and I’m grateful to see my fellow elected officials and law enforcement leaders here today locking arms with Jewish leaders against hateful acts in our community,” Bass said.

City News Service contributed to this report.