Overview

• The footage released on August 11 updates earlier still images with clearer moving shots of a man dressed in black riding a bicycle near Congregation Emanu-El in downtown Victoria.
• Investigators say the August 2 vandalism included graffiti with slurs, threats and references to genocide on the 162-year-old synagogue’s exterior before city crews promptly removed the markings.
• VicPD’s General Investigation Services unit and the detachment’s hate crimes coordinator are jointly leading the ongoing mischief probe under file #25-29663.
• Authorities urge anyone who recognizes the individual or the bicycle seen in the footage to call the E-Comm non-emergency line at 250-995-7645, ext. 1, with information.
• Local leaders including MLA Nina Krieger and Premier David Eby have condemned the hate-motivated act and pressed for stronger safeguarding of religious sites.