Clayton Hate Crime Investigation

Clayton, Mo. — Authorities are offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a hate crime investigation involving arson and antisemitic graffiti in a Clayton neighborhood earlier this month.

On the morning of August 5th 2025, police and fire officials responded to a report of three vehicles on fire near the 8200 block of Westmoreland Avenue. Investigators later discovered the words "Death to the IDF" spray-painted on the street nearby. Authorities say one of the vehicles belonged to a Jewish resident and that the vandalism and arson appear to be targeted acts.

The Clayton Police Department is working with the FBI and the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit to investigate the incident, which they are treating as a hate crime. Surveillance footage from the neighborhood shows a masked suspect walking in the area during the early morning hours.

"This is a horrific and terrifying hate crime that targeted a member of our Jewish community," said Jordan Kadosh, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Heartland. "We are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure those responsible are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The ADL Heartland and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis are jointly offering the $30,000 reward to encourage community members to come forward with any information.

Danny Cohn, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation, emphasized the importance of public involvement. “We will stand together, remain vigilant, and do everything we can to ensure those responsible are found and held accountable,” Cohn said in a statement.

Clayton Police are asking residents and businesses in the area to review security camera footage taken between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on August 5. They are particularly interested in any unusual activity captured near the time of the fires. The department believes surveillance footage could be crucial to identifying the suspect.

Tips can be submitted anonymously through St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), through the P3 Tips app, or online at stlrcs.org.

Multiple Jewish organizations, including ADL, the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, released a joint statement condemning the attack and affirming their commitment to stand against antisemitism.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Investigators have not yet identified any suspects.

Sources:

• FOX 2 Now – "Rewards announced for hate crime arrest in Clayton"

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch – "Clayton police seek help after cars burned, antisemitic graffiti sprayed on street"

• KMBZ / Audacy – "$30,000 reward offered in Clayton hate crime investigation"