Berkeley, California (Wednesday, August 11, 2021) - On August 7th at noon, a suspect entered Congregation Netivot Shalom and yelled threatening anti-Semitic statements against the members of the synagogue—interrupting their morning service.
Shortly thereafter, officers located the suspect in front of Chabad House—where he was yelling at the front of the synagogue after being prevented from entering.
The suspect (a 37-year-old man) was arrested on suspicion of willfully threatening a person based on their perceived characteristics. Willfully threatening a person based on their perceived characteristics is considered a hate crime.
A hate crime is a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim’s real or perceived protected social group (see Information Bulletin on Hate Crime Laws).
The Berkeley Police Department recognizes and places a high priority on the rights of all individuals guaranteed under state and federal law. The commission of a hate crime is a serious offense, which will not be tolerated in the City of Berkeley.
For more information about Hate Crimes and reporting, visit the CA Attorney General’s website resources.
Case 2021-00035313