North Bay police investigate instances of alleged antisemitism

( KRON ) — The Petaluma Police Department reported that several antisemitic incidents happened in the city on Sunday. At least some of the acts were committed by the same group of people, police said.

Members of what Petaluma PD described as an “antisemitic group” were seen on the East Washington Street overpass holding a banner facing Highway 101 at about 3:20 p.m. Officers contacted the group and they agreed to leave the area.

Several hours later, police received a report that the same people were putting flyers “containing antisemitic rhetoric” on cars in the parking lot of the East Washington Place shopping center. Officers responded and found the flyers, but the subjects had left the area.

At 10:45 p.m. the same people were reportedly holding the same banner on Caulfield Lane, again displaying it for drivers on Highway 101 to see. “PPD officers responded to the area and contacted the individuals and determined there no were no criminal violations to address,” police said.

On Monday, a Petaluma resident reported seeing five of the same antisemitic flyers found at the shopping center in an East Petaluma neighborhood.

Petaluma PD is investigating these incidents but has not yet determined any criminal violations as no community members, locations, or organizations were specifically mentioned.

“The Petaluma Police Department is deeply troubled and saddened to report recent hate-related incidents that took place in our community on Sunday,” police said.

In a joint statement from the Napa County District Attorney’s Office and Napa Police Department, officials said antisemitic flyers were also distributed in the city of Napa. “These acts of hatred and intolerance have no place in our community, and our Offices would like to extend their heartfelt compassion and empathy to our Jewish community members who have been affected by this reprehensible behavior,” the statement read.

The statement said Napa police are investigating the incident in their community to determine whether it is a hate crime or hate incident.

Police did not provide any information about what was specifically said on the banner or flyers.

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