DOWNTOWN — Police are investigating a Downtown hate crime after windows at the Chicago Loop Synagogue were smashed in and swastika stickers were placed on the door early Saturday.
Police responded to a call of "criminal damage in progress" at the Chicago Loop Synagogue, 16 S. Clark St., at 12:20 a.m. Saturday.
A window was smashed in and several swastika stickers were placed on the front door of the synagogue, police said.
Saturday afternoon, police released additional information regarding the incident. According to police, a person wearing dark clothing and a dark head mask exited a dark-colored SUV, "possibly a Toyota Highlander," placed swastika stickers on the front door of the synagogue and then used a metal object to break the front glass windows.
Images released by police show the property damage, the dark SUV in question and the suspected vandal.
President of the synagogue, Lee Zoldan, told the Tribune this was the first time the congregation was targeted since its 1959 opening. Zoldan also announced two rewards totaling $3,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the incident.
The vandalism is being investigated as a hate crime, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 312-747-8382.
Chicago Loop Synagogue vandalized overnight, windows broken, swastika stickers plastered on doors. Hate crime investigation. @nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/yqjU5WoDLt
— Emily Florez (@EmilyFlorezNBC) February 4, 2017
