Investigation underway after hateful messages appear on electronic billboard in Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — An investigation is underway after an electronic billboard in the north suburbs began displaying hateful messages, which police described as antisemitic.

According to the Northbrook Police Department (NPD), the messages began appearing on a billboard located near the Edens Expressway in Northbrook.

Officers said they were notified about the messages at around 5:30 and upon investigation, it was determined that the company that operates the billboard had not displayed the messages and added that they were “unauthorized.”

Officers said company representatives were then made aware of the unauthorized messages and worked to remove them.

“The Northbrook Village Board unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism and all acts of hate speech. We stand together with the Jewish community, family members, friends and neighbors. Northbrook is an inclusive community and welcomes all,” said Richard Rash, the Community Relations Supervisor for NPD.

Following the incident, Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider shared a post on X calling the messages “hateful” and “antisemitic”

“I am aware of the hateful, antisemitic billboard signs located on Edens Spur Tollroad in Northbrook, one that says “F*$% ISRAEL” and one that reads ”DEATH TO ISRAEL.” This disgusting, intimidating display has no place in the 10th District, or anywhere in America,” Rep. Schneider said.

Schneider said the billboards were located a community with a large Jewish population, near a Jewish day school and at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

“I have spoken with local police and reached out to the company that owns this billboard, calling for its immediate removal and an explanation of how it came to be posted. I will keep our community posted as we receive updates on this unfortunate matter,” Rep. Schneider said.

Currently, it is unclear how the unauthorized messages were displayed and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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