Police investigate after Park Ridge residents find antisemitic flyers passed around neighborhood
PARK RIDGE, Ill. — An investigation is underway after several residents in north suburban Park Ridge found antisemitic flyers in their driveway on Friday morning.
Residents and families with children found the flyers wrapped in clear plastic bags with birdseed, used to keep them from blowing away.
“It’s a terrible thing for families to encounter and I hope they know it’s not representative of the residents here,” said one Park Ridge homeowner who asked to remain anonymous.
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The resident said she was alarmed to find the flyers, which detectives say were distributed overnight.
“I’m very glad they’re investigating that. It should be investigated,” the resident said.
David Goldenberg with the Anti-Defamation League says this type of act is all too common.
“This is the MO of these white supremacist groups that are leaving this type of propaganda. We see it around the country, unfortunately,” Goldenberg said.
Residents in the area were reluctant to go on camera but shared new pictures of the plastic bags, which were dropped on lawns and driveways near Sibley & Riverside Drive, on the west side of Park Ridge.
Park Ridge police say they are working with neighboring municipalities to share information on the incident.
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The Anti-Defamation League said there is a growing concern as experts say 2023 saw a record number of antisemitic incidents.
“Flyers and the distribution of these hateful messages really is a low-cost, low-risk, potentially high-impact activity for these groups,” Goldenberg said.
Investigators are now asking residents with doorbell cameras to check for video of the person or people who distributed the flyers overnight.
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