Highland Park residents receive antisemitic letter, prompting police response

Highland Park police are investigating a hate crime after a resident received an antisemitic letter, officials said.

About 8:30 p.m. Sunday, residents in the 900 block of Marion Avenue reported getting a letter “containing antisemitic comments,” city officials said. Specifics of the letter’s contents were not reported.

Highland Park police notified the FBI and state terrorism officials, and there was a “significant emergency response presence,” including a hazardous materials team, as part of the investigation, according to city officials. By 10:30 p.m., the scene was deemed non-toxic.

“We understand that reports such as this are deeply disturbing, frightening, and offensive,” city officials said in a statement. “The city unequivocally condemns antisemitism and all acts of hate, standing in solidarity with our Jewish community.”

Highland Park police say they had already been keeping a closer eye on houses of worship due to “increased concerns regarding global antisemitic activity,” and that that would continue.

“An act of antisemitism reported in our community tonight has shaken many of us, and understandably so,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a statement Sunday night. “To anyone who feels afraid or targeted: please know that you are not alone. Your city stands with you. We will not be intimidated. We will not be silent. We will meet hate with unity — and with the full strength of our community.”

Anyone with information or looking to report concerns is asked to call the city at (847) 432-7730 and officials said questions about the investigation could be sent to cityhp@cityhpil.com.

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