Federal, state and Capital Region law enforcement authorities interrogated a 28-year-old Albany area man accused of shooting a shotgun at Temple Israel in Albany on Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a press conference. 

There were no injuries or fatalities, but the incident caused fear and anxiety among people at the synagogue and surrounding the community, the governor said.

"Any act of antisemitism is unacceptable, and undermining public safety at a synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah is even more deplorable,” Hochul said.

The man was seen acting suspiciously while walking around the temple before allegedly shooting the firearm, and fled on foot in a southbound direction before city police almost immediately apprehended him, authorities said. 

“We were told by responding officers that he made a comment: free Palestine,” Albany Police Department Chief Eric Hawkins said after the arrest.

Shell cases found at the scene indicate two shots were fired, Hawkins said.

“There’s no threat at this point to our community,” Hawkins said. “There’s no indication this person was working in concert with anybody else.”

The suspect, who was not identified, could face federal charges, Hawkins said. Federal authorities are leading the investigation. Members of the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force and area police also are involved in the investigation, Hochul said.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said she stood in solidarity with the Jewish community.

“No community is immune, and we take this very seriously,” Sheehan said.

Rabbi Wendy Anderson said the synagogue is not deterred from its celebrations on Thursday.

“After this press conference, we’re going to be lighting Hanukkah candles, because we need light in darkness,” she said.

Hochul said she had directed the New York State Police and New York National Guard to be on high alert and increase existing patrols of at-risk sites for the Hanukkah holiday, including at synagogues, yeshivas and community centers. 

"This builds on the significant efforts we have taken to protect religious communities in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Make no mistake: the safety of Jewish New Yorkers is non-negotiable.

“Any act of antisemitism is unacceptable, and undermining public safety at a synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah is even more deplorable. As New Yorkers, we must stand united: this is not who we are. We reject hate, antisemitism and violence in all forms. And we have no tolerance for the forces of evil who are trying to tear our communities apart.”