WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Antisemitic flyers left outside more than 100 homes in a West Palm Beach community have sparked concerns among residents.
“It’s very sad, especially because we do have a large Jewish population,” said one woman.
The messages of hate and obscene symbols were found inside clear plastic bags that were tossed into driveways and front lawns throughout the neighborhood starting, at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, police said.
Surveillance video captured someone tossing the flyers from a moving white pickup truck.
Police said the three men and a woman spotted inside the truck were issued citations.
On Sunday around 9 a.m., a resident flagged down a police officer and told them about the messages they found.
“About 150 homes in the northeast section of West Palm Beach have received these hate flyers in like, a Ziploc bag with either animal food or pellets, wood pellets inside,” said West Palm Beach Police spokesperson Mike Jachles.
Officials said an investigation is underway.
“Unfortunately, the first amendment does not discriminate against hate mongers, so they are entitled to their expression of their views, whether we agree or not,” said Jachles. “This is a welcome and diverse city. We don’t want it in our town.”
Neighbors spoke out about the trend that they find troublesome.
“It’s not OK. It’s not good language. It’s not kind. It’s not healthy to our community,” said one resident of the neighborhood. “It is trending, and it’s starting to become more frequent.”
“You know what? Our officers were out there, we wanted to make sure there was nothing harmful there, and it was just the right thing to do,” said Jachles, “and maybe these hate mongers tossing trash onto people’s yards, maybe they should be doing something of benefit to the community like picking up trash.”
Police said if you find these flyers outside your home, call their non-emergency line and do not confront the group.
“If anybody sees this, the best thing to do is not confront these people,” said Jachles. “They are looking for a confrontation. They are live streaming this. They are looking to engage, so the best thing to do is not engage. Do not confront them.”
This comes about two weeks after similar antisemitic flyers were left outside homes in Boca Raton.
In response, state representative Mike Caruso of West Palm Beach filed new legislation last week that would enhance penalties.
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