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Temple Israel in Mpls vandalized with swastikas
Minneapolis police are searching for the suspect who spray-painted swastikas on Temple Israel in the city. FOX 9's Mike Manzoni has the story.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis police are investigating after a Jewish temple in the city was defaced with swastikas.
Minneapolis Jewish temple vandalized
What we know: Police say surveillance video shows a suspect painting swastikas on doors and a pillar along Emerson Avenue South around 7:20 a.m. on Monday.
Officers say the suspect was wearing a white hoodie, black face covering, black jogger pants, and tan boots and left the scene in a silver Honda Civic. The suspect was less than two minutes at the temple.
Police say they have taken steps to address safety concerns at Temple Israel and continue to monitor the area.
The investigation into the vandalism is ongoing.
Mayor Frey, others react
What they're saying: In a tweet, Mayor Jacob Frey, who is of the Jewish faith, reacted to the vandalism.
"When hate is embraced or tolerated, it is emboldened. I’ve seen antisemitism increase over the last year, yet too few have spoken out against it, opting for the safety of silence. No matter one’s ethnicity or race, when any group is targeted, it’s on all of us to condemn it," the mayor wrote. "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 the individual responsible for this hateful act."
In a message, Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman wrote: "It is heartbreaking to see such a hateful image directly underneath the words emblazoned above our doors, words that have guided us for generations: ‘My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples.’ Temple has always been a sacred space, a welcoming place to all who enter with a spirit of community and peace."
Attorney General Keith Ellison added: "Minnesotans of every faith deserve to live and worship with dignity, safety, and respect — no exception. These are not just my values as Attorney General, they are the values of countless Minnesotans — the vast majority — in every corner of our state. Painting swastikas on a synagogue is an appalling act of hate that no one should tolerate. It is a direct threat to Jewish Minnesotans and a stark reminder to all of us that we must stand with each other to protect our shared values and one another. My Office is monitoring the situation and will never hesitate to step in to protect Minnesota's Jewish community, our religious freedoms, and basic human decency."