The Clayton Police Department is asking for the public’s help as they work to solve a hate crime that shook a quiet neighborhood early Tuesday morning.

Around 3 a.m. on August 5, three vehicles were set on fire in the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue. Nearby, officers found antisemitic graffiti painted on the roadway — a discovery that led investigators to believe the attack was targeted. The FBI and the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit are now assisting.

Clayton police are urging anyone in the area to check their doorbell cameras, security systems, or dashcam footage between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. that morning. “Your surveillance system may be the key to identifying the individual or individuals responsible for this disturbing and targeted attack,” said Cpl. Jenny Schwartz.

If you have footage or information, contact the Clayton Police Detective Bureau at (314) 290-8414, or submit an anonymous tip through St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers — via the P3 Tips app, by calling (314) 725-8477 or 1-866-371-TIPS, or at www.stlrcs.org. Tips leading to an arrest may qualify for a reward.

Fundraiser supports unrelated college student affected by fire

A GoFundMe has been launched to help an unrelated college student who lost his car — along with golf clubs and other personal belongings inside — in the fire. Donations will first go toward meeting his insurance deductible. Any funds raised beyond that goal will be donated to St. Louis Jewish Community Security and the Clayton Police and Fire Departments in appreciation of their quick response and ongoing support

Jewish community leaders, including the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, ADL Heartland, AJC St. Louis, JCRC of St. Louis, NCJW St. Louis and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, issued a joint statement condemning the attack and calling on the broader community to speak out against antisemitism. “We are a resilient community, but we cannot fight antisemitism alone,” said Jewish Federation President and CEO Danny Cohn.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, also weighed in on social media.

“Globalize the intifada” is a clear and unambiguous call to violence. Period. And we see what that threat looks like on American streets — in DC, in Boulder, and now in St. Louis.

It’s 2025. This cannot be acceptable in the US – or anywhere else.https://t.co/kvA7W289Wf

— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) August 7, 2025

Police say the investigation is active and every lead is being pursued.