Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee works with police to enhance safety in wake of Colorado attack

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Following the attack in Boulder, Colorado, that left 12 people hurt this weekend, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Shepard Englander, said the local Jewish community is 'heartbroken and outraged.'
'This was a targeted terror attack against people because of what they believe,' Englander said. 'America was founded so that we would have a place where people can believe whatever they believe and not be harassed and killed. This was not just an attack on Jews. This was an attack on America and what it stands for.'
FBI says 8 injured in Colorado attack by man with makeshift flamethrower who yelled 'Free Palestine'
Safety is a concern among those in the Jewish community locally, and the Federation is working with local law enforcement to ensure the community stays safe.
'We have had to invest more than we ever wanted to in security professionals and we are so grateful to have some of the best,' Englander said. 'We would rather be spending the money helping people, connecting people in programs, but now we are going to have to even spend more which is not what any of us want, but it is absolutely necessary because everyone needs to be safe and not afraid to come out and be part of a community and celebrate their traditions.'
Englander spoke with local law enforcement Monday about safety moving forward.
The sheriff's office said Hoffman was briefed on the incident in Colorado and, as a result, requested extra patrols near local synagogues and the Jewish Federation.
'Our intelligence unit is monitoring for anything suspicious that might possibly be related to or inspired by the Boulder incident,' a sheriff's office spokesperson wrote. 'The sheriff says the main reason for these meetings is to share information and communicate so that we are being proactive to prevent an incident in our community. We will continue monitoring closely.'
During a stop in Sarasota Monday morning, 8 On Your Side asked Governor Ron DeSantis about the state's response. He described antisemitism as a 'huge problem' across the country and called the recent attacks 'sick.'
'We will continue to respond the way that we always responded,' DeSantis said. 'This type of stuff will not fly in Florida, and we will do what we can obviously to prevent, and certainly if anybody makes the mistake of doing what this guy in Colorado … you will absolutely live to regret that.'
Englander spoke briefly with Gov. DeSantis during his stop in Sarasota.
'I thanked him for his support and he said 'let us know what you need,'' Englander said. 'America is a place where the Jewish people have had such friendship and support; being reminded of it brings tears to my eyes.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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