BROOKLYN — The NYPD ramped up security at local synagogues after two men were caught on surveillance footage photographing the exterior of two Midwood shuls, police sources said.
The men were seen taking pictures outside the Congregation Beth Torah, on Ocean Parkway near Avenue J, at about 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, and then Congregation Bet Yaakob, on Ocean Parkway near Avenue R, about 75 minutes later, according to a YouTube video.
UPDATE: NYPD Clears Men of All Suspicion, Sources Say.
“2 men took videos at 2 shuls on Ocean Parkway,” tweeted Councilman David Greenfield, who represents the area. “They drove Blue Honda w. Delaware plates. Seen them? Call 911!” The license plate was expired, sources said.
The seemingly suspicious activity prompted the NYPD to step patrols outside these synagogues and other Jewish houses of worship in the city, and order several heavily armed Critical Response Teams to the neighborhoods.
EDITOR'S NOTE: NYPD Detectives later identified the men and spoke with them and determined that they were tourists from Connecticut in town to have dinner with friends. They were cleared of all suspicion, sources said.
