Anti-Semitic, racist messages found on cars in Portage Park, Jefferson Park for 2nd time since mid-October

by BRIAN NADIG

Pieces of cardboard with a series of anti-Semitic and racist remarks written on them were found on the windshield of parked cars in the Portage-Jefferson Park area for the second time since mid-October, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. 

Cardboard was found on four vehicles vehicles parked at about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the 5300 block of West Cullom Avenue, and on about 30 vehicles at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, in the 5300 and 5400 blocks of West Wilson Avenue, according to police.

The statements included profanity and racial slurs and made references to immigration, wars, COVID-19 and the slave trade, according to police.

The October and November incidents appear to be related and remain under investigation, police said.

Alderman James Gardiner (45th) issued the following statement: “Hate of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community or anywhere else for that matter. Our office will continue to work with the police department to help investigate these incidents.”