Swastika On Highland Park Trash Can The Work Of Child, City Staff Say

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Police said they have identified the child who used painter's tape to make the word "Jew," a Star of David and a pair of swastikas on a trash bin in a Highland Park subdivision last week.

"Quick reporting by residents allowed police officers to investigate and to identify a suspect," city staff said in a statement Wednesday.

The probe began Friday after a green bin used to store food for local geese in the Hybernia subdivision was found vandalized with blue tape, with one of its two left-facing swastikas on its side and the other on its top.

City officials soon issued a statement announcing the investigation and denouncing the defacement.

"The City of Highland Park unequivocally condemns any racist, misogynistic, antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ+, ableist, or otherwise hate-motived groups or individuals who are threatening any form of violent acts, bigoted harassment on, or discrimination against our residents, visitors, or city staff," it said. "This behavior is never acceptable, but it is particularly outrageous that any groups would further an agenda of hate and fear."

On Tuesday, Highland Park police took a "juvenile suspect" into custody in connection with the vandalism after identifying the person responsible through "subsequent investigation and increased patrols," according to city staff.

But it was not clear what charge, if any, the child faces.

"The City coordinated with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office on charges," staff said. "The Juvenile Court Act prohibits the City from sharing further information about the suspect with the public."

It is not uncommon for police departments across Illinois to disclose the age, sex and charges of juvenile arrestees. However, the Juvenile Court Act does prohibit police and city officials from disclosing the identity of minors, except in certain circumstances, and juvenile law enforcement records and court files must remain confidential in most situations.

Patch asked spokespeople for the city of Highland Park and the Lake County State's Attorney's Office whether anyone was petitioned delinquent in juvenile court over the incident — and if they were, what charge the person faces. Any information received will be added here.

Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a statement Friday she was "appalled and disturbed" to learn about the defacement. She said the City Council, police and city staff all the matter very seriously.

"Our city is built on principles of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all people, regardless of their background and beliefs. Antisemitism, or any form of discrimination, goes against the fabric of who we are and the values we hold dear," Rotering said.

About half of Highland Park's 30,000 residents are Jewish, according to a 2020 study by researchers from Brandeis University and the University of Chicago.

The Anti-Defamation League found the number of antisemitic incidents reported in Illinois rose by 128 percent in Illinois in 2022.

According to the ADL's audit, there were 121 antisemitic incidents, 198 incidents of white supremacist propaganda, one white supremacist event and one killing described as an "extremist murder" — the alleged DUI suicide attempt of a convicted Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol rioter that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Skokie native Lauren Wegner.

Earlier: Swastika Found On Highland Park Garbage Can