Police seeking suspect after Minneapolis synagogue defaced

Police are asking for help in identifying a masked individual who defaced a South Minneapolis synagogue early Monday.

In a statement, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara detailed the incident and said police have “no tolerance” for such acts and are investigating it as a hate crime.

At about 7:10 a.m. Monday, surveillance cameras showed a person spray-painting swastikas on the doors and pillars of Temple Israel at 2323 Fremont Ave. S. The perpetrator was at the synagogue less than two minutes and was wearing a white hoodie with the hood up, a black face covering, black jogger pants and tan boots. He perpetrator arrived and departed in a silver four-door Honda Civic.

“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,” O’Hara said.  “MPD has no tolerance for these types of crime and will be investigating this as a bias based crime.”

“When hate is embraced or tolerated, it is emboldened and spreads,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who attends Temple Israel. “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. No matter one’s ethnicity, race, or religion, when any group is targeted, it’s on all of us to condemn it. 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. I support Chief O’Hara and our entire MPD as we search for the individual responsible for this hateful act.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips may also be submitted electronically at CrimeStoppersMN.org. Tips are anonymous and anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.