Law enforcement agencies at both the local and federal levels are conducting an investigation into what is being identified as a hate crime following the discovery of antisemitic graffiti on a roadway and multiple cars being set on fire in Missouri.
The Clayton Police Department reported that around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, officers arrived at the scene to find three vehicles had been intentionally set ablaze.
While there were no injuries reported in the incident, the officers located antisemitic graffiti on a city roadway near St. Louis.
Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime, with initial findings suggesting that the victim was deliberately targeted.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon mentioned on X that she received updates regarding the reported “car bombings” in St. Louis and the alleged antisemitic vandalism.
“Our office intends to hold the perpetrators accountable for these violent acts,” she said.
Also weighing in was the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, which condemned the attacks.
“As members of American Jewish organizations and proud residents of St. Louis, we vehemently condemn the attack on our community members last night,” the federation declared. “This transcends mere vandalism; it is a hateful act of intimidation and yet another instance of the repercussions when antisemitic and anti-Israel discourse becomes normalized.”
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Clayton Police Department Detective Bureau at 314-290-8414.
