Last updated Feb. 10 at 5:03 p.m.
The Evanston Police Department is investigating alleged vandalism involving antisemitic hate symbols on a bench near the intersection of Clark Street and Judson Avenue, EPD Cmdr. Chelsea Brown confirmed in a Tuesday statement to The Daily.
Police received a report of the incident Jan. 31, according to Brown’s statement, one day before Northwestern officials found similar symbols on signs around campus.
In a Sunday statement to The Daily, a NU spokesperson wrote the University had “identified a suspect who we believe is unaffiliated with Northwestern,” adding that NU “is working with local law enforcement on next steps, including potential criminal charges.”
Images reviewed by The Daily show the alleged vandalism on the bench closely resembled the hate symbols found on campus.
Brown did not comment on whether the two incidents were related, citing the EPD’s ongoing investigation, but wrote the department “is aware of reports involving similar symbols at different locations.”
As of Tuesday, the symbols on the bench had been painted over.
“The department takes reports of hate-based incidents seriously and continues to pursue investigative leads,” Brown wrote.
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