October 11, 2023 - Fresno Police Department officials issue statement from Chief Balderrama on investigation into two recent hate crimes.

“The Fresno Police Department is currently investigating two incidents that took place in our City overnight. The first occurred at the Temple Beth Israel. Around 6:00 a.m., an employee discovered that glass in the front door had been broken by a rock. They also found a backpack containing several more rocks had been left behind. No suspect was seen, and although there are no indications at this time that this is a hate crime, we are investigating it as a hate incident. The second incident occurred at the Noah’s Ark Restaurant and Bakery. Around 8:30 a.m., an employee discovered two windows had been broken and a newspaper with a handwritten message threatening Jewish owned businesses was left behind. This incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

The Fresno Police Department will not tolerate any acts of violence, threats of violence or efforts of intimidation towards any of our community members. We are actively investigating both of these incidents, dedicating personnel, and resources to identifying the suspects and holding them accountable. We cannot do this alone, however, and I am asking that if any of our community members have information on these acts, to please contact the Fresno Police Department.” - Chief Paco Balderrama

Source: Fresno Police Department