November 10, 2009

Vandalism at local Synagogue

On November 10, 2009, at 10:38 a.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a vandalism which had occurred at the Congregation Beth Shalom, which is located at 4746 El Camino Avenue. The deputies arrived and found a swastika and the words “kristallnacht still lives” spray painted on windows and “SS” spray painted on the building. Deputies also discovered bushes in front of the synagogue, beneath the Congregation Beth Shalom sign, had been set on fire. 

Deputies quickly categorized the vandalism as a hate crime and requested assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sheriff’s Bias Crimes Unit and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

The FBI has assumed the lead role in the investigation and believe the crime occurred sometime during the early morning hours of November 10th, shortly after 1:00 a.m. Synagogue surveillance cameras captured the image of the suspect who they believe is a male dressed in dark clothing. No further description of the suspect could be gleaned from the video and the video is not being released at this time.

Anyone with information about this hate crime is urged to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (916) 481-9110 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP; or send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Sergeant Tim Curran,
Sheriff's Spokesman