A New York City councilmember said that she carries a pistol around with her for protection because she is worried about crime in the city, including attacks based on prejudice.

“With anti-semitism, it doesn’t feel safe in the city anymore. You’re always on edge and watching your back,” Brooklyn councilwoman Inna Vernikov told The New York Post.

Vernikov asked her synagogue to allow her to become a volunteer safety guard, explaining that only certain people, such as congregation leaders or an official safety guard, can carry guns in temples.