Jewish Federation board chair assaulted in brazen lunchtime attack
“As the city council is trying to encourage more people to live downtown, I urge them to make sure downtown stays safe."
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Board Chair Jan Levinson is recovering after a lunchtime assault in downtown Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh police from the Downtown Public Safety Center were dispatched to the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Smithfield Street at approximately noon on June 26 where they found Levinson with injuries to his face, according to the City of Pittsburgh’s Public Safety Blotter.
Levinson, 73, told police that he was walking down Fourth Avenue when an unknown man approached him. He attempted to flee the scene, but the man pursued him, striking him in the head.
Officers reviewed surveillance footage of the incident and were able to identify the attacker as Jameel Huff, 24. They arrested him a short time later and charged him with aggravated assault.
Levinson was transported by Pittsburgh EMS to an area hospital in stable condition. It was determined that he had a broken orbital bone as well as bleeding and swelling from the attack.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s office, in a statement to the Chronicle, wished Levinson a speedy recovery.
“We’re proud of the quick response by the Pittsburgh Police in arresting the person responsible and EMS in providing care to the hospital,” the statement read. “The safety of all residents is a top priority for us and that’s reflected in the establishment of the Downtown Public Safety Center as well as officers walking the beat downtown.”
The statement added that the mayor is committed to making downtown a place where everyone who works, plays or lives feels safe and welcome.
In a separate statement, Levinson said that the attack was not antisemitic in nature, and that he was attacked by “an individual with known mental health issues.”
Levinson noted that the police and emergency services responded quickly and professionally to the attack.
He did, however, have a warning to public officials.
“As the city council is trying to encourage more people to live downtown, I urge them to make sure downtown stays safe so that we can better protect the people who live there,” Levinson wrote.
Huff is being held at the Allegheny County Jail. His preliminary hearing is set for July 10. PJC
—David Rullo
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