The FBI has launched an urgent investigation into a shocking hate crime targeting an Israeli soldier in Clayton, Missouri, where three cars were firebombed outside the victim’s home early Tuesday morning. Authorities discovered the charred vehicles at approximately 3:00 a.m., alongside disturbing anti-Semitic graffiti that read “Death to the IDF,” signaling a targeted attack against the Jewish community.

This brazen act of violence comes as the FBI reports a troubling rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes across the United States, with incidents at record highs last year. The victim, an American who served in the Israel Defense Forces, returned home only to find his family under siege. Leo Terrell, chairman of the Justice Department’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, condemned the attack, stating, “Anti-Semitic violence has no place in America. We will pursue every avenue to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Local law enforcement, alongside the St. Louis Regional Bomb Squad and Arson Unit, is actively investigating the incident, utilizing surveillance footage from neighborhood cameras to identify the culprits. The community is reeling from the attack, with residents expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in their suburban area.

As tensions rise and fear grips the local Jewish community, officials stress the importance of vigilance and solidarity against hate. The FBI’s swift response underscores the seriousness of this incident, as authorities work to ensure the safety of all citizens. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected as law enforcement delves deeper into this alarming case. The message is clear: hate has no place in America, and justice will be pursued relentlessly.