The shooter at a Fourth of July parade outside the city of Chicago, Illinois, allegedly staked out the local Chabad synagogue earlier this year during Passover, according to a report in the Jewish news outlet Forward.
“He was definitely sizing up the synagogue,” said Martin Blumenthal, volunteer security director for the congregation.
Robert Crimo, who was indicted on seven counts of first-degree murder on Tuesday, was taken into custody Monday evening after a shooting in the morning left at least seven dead and more than 30 wounded.
According to members of Central Avenue Synagogue, Crimo appeared during the last day of Passover this year.
Blumenthal said Crimo stood out wearing all black, including gloves. “He said his name was Bobby and he lived in the neighborhood. I watched him the whole time.”
“I profiled him. I knew what he was up to,” said Blumenthal.
Despite his suspicions, Blumenthal said he didn’t notify authorities, as Crimo "didn’t cause a disturbance or anything.”
Police said they had no immediate evidence of any anti-Semitic or racist basis. Investigators were reviewing videos Crimo had posted on social media containing violent imagery.
After Crimo’s hearing Tuesday, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said there would be more charges in the future: "We anticipate dozens of more charges centered around each of the victims."
Police responded to at least two incidents involving Crimo in 2019, one involving threats to kill his family members and a suicide attempt.