UPDATE Sept. 22:
Punta Gorda Police tell Fox 4 a person of interest has been identified in the arson and hate crime investigation at the synagogue.
According to the department, they are working with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office to "advance the investigation at this time," police told Fox 4.
They have not specifically named the person of interest, but police said it will provide more details when they're available.
UPDATE 5:16 p.m.:
Despite the concerning nature of the attack, Rabbi Jacobson said he is focusing on responding to hatred with positivity.
"We know that this is an act of darkness, and we're focusing on trying to fix this darkness by making more light," Jacobson said.
The fire has deeply affected community members. Neighbor Theo Kiselev came to see the damage after learning about it on social media.
"It honestly made me sick to my stomach. I'm shaking right now as I see it in person," Kiselev said.
For Kiselev, the arson serves as a painful reminder of historical persecution.
"You know, just like 80 years ago, they're trying to ridicule us, but all I can say is that 80 years ago, we survived this and will survive it," Kiselev said. "Today, there's no difference. The Jewish people are strong, and they will continue to be strong."
The rabbi's wife said a neighbor has offered a $500 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the identification of the person responsible.
Police have not said whether they have identified a suspect but they are increasing patrols in the area.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
UPDATE Sept. 21:
The Punta Gorda Police Department confirms they are investigating the arson as a hate crime.
"We are aggressively investigating the fire," said police spokesman Eric Burris.
He said there are extra patrols and police presence in the area.
"We are committing extra resources to help keep our Punta Gorda Jewish community safe," he added.
Police have not said if there are any suspects identified.
We will continue to follow this story and bring you the latest.
UPDATE 1:45 p.m.:
Rabbi Simon Jacobson, the center’s director, showed FOX 4 extensive damage to the property. The fire happened in a classroom, Jacobson said. There is a charred cubby, broken window, and debris on the classroom floor.
The center’s front door is smashed open, with glass covering the ground. Black J’s appear to have been spray painted all over the property, including on the center’s wall, sidewalk, and entryway. Crime scene tape is up and multiple Punta Gorda Police officers visited the property as neighbors stopped by with tips.
Dennis Hanson is a senior warden at the Church of the Good Sheperd, which is just across the street from Chabad of Charlotte County. Hanson described the incident as disturbing and said the church stands behind it’s neighbor.
“You hear about these sort of things happening elsewhere but then when it happens in your own backyard, so to speak, it’s very alarming,” Hanson said. “And that’s why I believe that we all need to come together as a community and put an end to this in the ways that we can.”
The incident comes just before the Jewish high holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which is scheduled to start Monday, Sept. 22.
UPDATE 11:07 a.m.:
The Punta Gorda Police Department told Fox 4 that the damage is mostly contained to one room in the building.
Fox 4 Community Correspondent Hunter Walterman is at the scene and found the front door shattered. To the right of the door is a "J" spray painted on the wall in black.
Police tell Walterman the fire is being investigated as an arson.
Officers are still at the scene and in the area investigating at this time.
ORIGINAL REPORTING:
Police are investigating a fire at the Chabad of Charlotte County as a criminal act after the building was damaged Friday night.
The Punta Gorda Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a structure fire on West Henry Street late Friday evening.
"Due to circumstances and evidence located at the scene, the police department is investigating the fire as criminal in nature," police said in a statement.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact the Punta Gorda Police Department at (941) 639-4111.
No additional details about the extent of the damage or potential injuries have been released.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
