A historic synagogue in Philadelphia was the target of arson, vandalism, and an attempted burglary in three separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other on Tuesday, police said.
The Philadelphia Police Department told USA TODAY that the series of incidents happened at different times at Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. Police said the department is currently investigating the incidents in collaboration with the FBI.
“At this time, there is no indication that the incidents are connected, but we are thoroughly investigating in close coordination with the FBI to determine if any links exist,” the Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement to USA TODAY.
At about 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, the Philadelphia Fire Department and police responded to a dumpster fire next to the synagogue. The fire damaged a nearby window and the fire marshal determined the incident to be an act of arson, police said.
Authorities released a video of the suspect — a man wearing a blue hat, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, gray sneakers, and a backpack — walking near and inside the dumpster. The video later showed smoke coming out of the dumpster before it caught fire.