Overview

• The late Friday night fire at the Chabad of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda was contained to a children’s classroom, and no injuries were reported.
• Rabbi Simon Jacobson reported a broken window and fuel traces at the origin point, with the letter “J” spray-painted on exterior walls and the sidewalk.
• The Punta Gorda Police Department is leading the investigation as a criminal case and asked the public to share tips, with no arrests announced.
• Local Jewish and security groups, including the ADL of Florida, the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, and the Secure Community Network, expressed support for the congregation.
• Rosh Hashanah services will proceed with increased security, as separate incidents at Chabad centers at UCLA and UC Santa Barbara were handled by authorities as unrelated to hate crimes.