BPD: Swastika drawn at Bloomington synagogue, police searching for suspect

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Bloomington police are searching for a suspect who reportedly left a drawn swastika outside the door of a local synagogue.

BPD crews were called around 6 p.m. Tuesday to Congregation Beth Shalom, located on E. 3rd Street for a report of a small, thin piece of wood with a swastika drawn on it being left near the building’s front doors.

Police said they are now searching for a suspect. Investigators said that surveillance video shows a person approaching the front of the synagogue, leaving the drawing and two playing cards on the ground and then walking out of camera view.

“Investigators are currently attempting to identify the individual,” BPD said Thursday.

In a statement sent Thursday afternoon to FOX59/CBS4, Rabbi Noach Lawrence from Beth Shalom confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that we found a piece of wood with a swastika drawn on it left outside our synagogue,” Rabbi Lawrence said. “We reported the incident to the police, who are fully investigating the incident; there is no evidence of a threat or ongoing concern; beyond that we are not commenting publicly at this time while we focus on supporting our community.

No other information was immediately provided. Anyone with information on this harassment incident is being asked to contact Bloomington police by calling (812) 339-4477. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS.

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