The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating the defacing of Temple Israel, located at 2323 Fremont Avenue South, after swastikas were spray-painted on the synagogue early morning Dec. 16.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, surveillance footage shows a suspect arriving at approximately 7:19 a.m. in a silver Honda Civic.
The individual, described as wearing a white hoodie with the hood up, a black face covering, black jogger pants and tan boots, spray-painted swastikas on the Temple’s doors and a pillar facing Emerson Avenue South. The suspect spent less than two minutes at the scene before leaving.
Chief O’Hara emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, "Hate crimes and crimes against our houses of worship are particularly troubling because they can result in real widespread fear and can contribute to potential division among our residents. MPD has no tolerance for these types of crime and will be investigating this as a bias-based crime."
Mayor Jacob Frey also condemned the incident, saying, "When hate is embraced or tolerated, it is emboldened and spreads. I’ve seen blatant antisemitism increase dramatically over the last year, yet too few have had the courage to speak out against it, opting for the safety of silence. These Nazi symbols were placed on my synagogue, where Minneapolis Jews congregate and deserve to feel safe. We don’t back down to fear. We stand strong, proud of who we are, and I know that Minneapolis — a city of inclusivity and love — stands with us."
MPD is working closely with Temple Israel, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and other Minneapolis synagogue to address safety concerns. Investigators are monitoring area cameras and pursuing leads.
