HIGHLAND PARK (VINnews) — It appears that the July 4th Chicago mass shooter may have been motivated by antisemitism. In addition, his attack may have been specifically designed, at least in part, to target Jews.
The shooter targeted Highland Park, one of the most Jewish neighborhoods in Chicago, and began his attack in the middle of a klezmer band playing, as can be seen in this video: (DISCLAIMER: We are posting graphic video solely to indicate possible antisemític motive)
My video.. I was at #Highland Park parade.. Terrified people fleeing July 4th parade when shooting started. pic.twitter.com/DSe0NJOuem
— Lynn Sweet (@lynnsweet) July 4, 2022
Tragically, four of the seven victims who died were Jewish.
In addition, shooter Robert “Bobby” Crimo has posted hateful antisemitic images on social meda in the past. One image shows a Jewish male possibly wearing a kippah and yellow star.
#BREAKING: One Of The Images On Robert “Bobby” Crimo’s Social Media Shows A Jewish Male Possibly Wearing A Kippah And Yellow Star, A Famous Symbol Connected To To The Holocaust And Antisemitism. #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/htqsRZUgIY
— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) July 4, 2022
As reported on VIN News, a local Chabad Rabbi had previously seen the shooter entering his shul on Pesach. Rabbi Yosef Schanowitz recognized the photo of Robert Crimo released by police, and discovered that he had seen Crimo a few months earlier.
“During the last Pesach holiday, that person entered the Chabad synagogue. We have an armed security guard sitting in front… I approached him and sternly asked him to leave as I noticed he was not a member of our community,” Rabbi Schanowitz reportedly said.
Also, Central Avenue Synagogue in Highland Park says an individual matching the description of the shooter entered the synagogue in Spring of 2022. He was wearing a yarmulke. Security team observed him throughout and he departed without incident.
Central Avenue Synagogue in Highland Park says an individual matching the description of the parade shooter entered the synagogue in Spring of 2022. He was wearing a yarmulke. Security team observed him throughout and he departed without incident.
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) July 6, 2022
In addition, although it’s not clear if there is a link, several weeks before the massacre, antisemitic flyers had been distributed throughout community, according to sources.