Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo Vows Heightened Security for Jewish Community in Wake of Global Antisemitic Threats

On Thursday, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (R) sent a letter (see below) to the Nevada Sheriffs’ and Chiefs’ Association calling for increased awareness, preparedness, and coordination among state, local, and federal law enforcement partners.

“While there are no known or specific threats to Nevada at this time, the Governor emphasized that recent global incidents underscore the importance of proactive security measures, particularly as communities gather for holiday observances and other public events.

Governor Lombardo encouraged law enforcement agencies to maintain a visible presence and remain alert around synagogues, Jewish community centers, schools, and other locations where members of the Jewish community gather, noting that strong coordination and visibility are essential to both prevention and public reassurance,” the Governor’s office said in a press release.

“Nevada is home to a diverse and vibrant Jewish community, and like all communities, they have the right to gather, worship, and celebrate without fear,” said Governor Lombardo. “The recent antisemitic attacks we’ve seen across the world are cowardly and despicable. While there are no specific threats to Nevada at this time, I am taking decisive action to ensure our Jewish community is protected. That means heightened vigilance from law enforcement, strong coordination at every level, and sustained engagement with community leaders to confront antisemitism wherever it exists. Public safety will always be my administration’s top priority.”

In a statement shared via his official X account early Friday morning, Lombardo emphasized the need for immediate action. “Our Jewish community deserves to feel safe, secure, and at peace in our state,” he wrote. “Amid rising antisemitic threats, my administration is taking immediate action to protect Nevada’s Jewish community by strengthening coordination with law enforcement at every level and convening a statewide Antisemitism Working Group. My administration will not wait to act. We are taking proactive steps now.”

Our Jewish community deserves to feel safe, secure, and at peace in our state.⁰
Amid rising antisemitic threats, my administration is taking immediate action to protect Nevada’s Jewish community by strengthening coordination with law enforcement at every level and convening a… pic.twitter.com/cKulxSS3pN

— Joe Lombardo (@JoeLombardoNV) December 19, 2025

The announcement follows a horrific attack in Australia earlier this week, where two Islamic assailants killed 15 people and injured dozens more at a Hanukkah event, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 

Lombardo’s key initiatives outlined include the formation of the Antisemitism Working Group, comprising rabbis, leaders from Jewish Nevada, the Anti-Defamation League, and other community representatives. The group will advise on emerging challenges, safety concerns, and policy solutions, with its first meeting scheduled for next year. It is tasked with submitting recommendations by spring to inform Lombardo’s agenda for the 2027 Nevada Legislative Session.

Lombardo, a former Clark County Sheriff with over three decades in law enforcement, has positioned these steps as preventive, drawing on his background to prioritize community safety.