Miami Area Synagogue Attack: Images Of Gunman's Car Released

NORTH MIAMI, FL — Miami-Dade police on Tuesday released surveillance images of the black, Chevrolet Impala that was driven by the gunman who opened fire on a 68-year-old congregant outside Young Israel of Greater Miami in North Miami over the weekend.

Miami-Dade police described the gunman as black with a slim build and short cropped hair. They said he was between 20 to 25. The gunman's car had dark, tinted windows and was manufactured between 2006 and 2013. See also Congregant Shot Outside Young Israel of Greater Miami Synagogue

Yosef Lifshutz was shot a total of six times, including four shots in the leg, as he was waiting for services to begin outside Young Israel of Greater Miami around 6:34 p.m. Sunday, according to Miami-Dade police and Dr. Damon Salzman, president of the synagogue.

"We want to put this at the highest level so this community here understands that we feel their fear," Director Juan Perez of the Miami-Dade Police Department told WPLG-TV Tuesday as he visited the synagogue where the shooting took place.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gabriel Groisman of nearby Bal Harbour confirmed that the Young Israel of Bal Harbour synagogue in his community received what he described as a "suspicious package" on Monday morning. He said the package included threats and anti-Semitic rhetoric.

"It must be known that the Jewish community will not cower in fear," the mayor said on social media. "We stand strong, united and proud."

Salzman branded the shooting as the act of a "coward" and he called for donations to help cover the wounded man's ongoing medical expenses.

"It does not take terrorist to try and kill someone isolated and defenseless. It takes a coward," insisted Salzman. "It takes someone without courage to attack an elderly defenseless man sitting in front of a place of sanctuary."

Miami-Dade police said the incident occurred near the front entrance to the synagogue, which is located at 990 NE 171 St.

Lifshutz was doing "OK" at Aventura Hospital Trauma Center on Tuesday, according to synagogue officials, who said that Lifshutz still can't receive visitors or phone calls.

"He really appreciates everyone’s concern," synagogue officials said. "He has two more surgeries, one on Thursday and one on Friday."

Security has been heightened at many U.S. synagogues since the Oct. 27, 2018, attack on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue in which 11 people were killed by a gunman.

To make a donation to help Lifshutz, visit the synagogue website and note that the donation is for Yosef Lifshutz.

To report a tip, contact the Miami-Dade Police Department's Intracoastal District Hotline at 305-787-1675 or 305-787-1630 or via email at sta06crimeinfo@mdpd.com. Alternatively, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.