Clayton Arson Targets Cars, Threatens Resident With IDF Ties

Authorities in Clayton, Missouri, are investigating an arson attack in the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue that destroyed three vehicles and included antisemitic graffiti referencing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and threatening a resident with IDF ties. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning and is being treated as a hate crime by local police, the FBI, and other federal agencies. No injuries were reported, but the attack has sparked alarm and condemnation from local residents, Jewish leaders, and city officials. Police are seeking surveillance footage from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. and are accepting anonymous tips. Community and religious leaders have stressed the importance of resisting normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, citing recent FBI data showing a national increase in such hate crimes. The Department of Justice and local authorities have pledged to protect targeted communities and ensure accountability for those responsible.