WASHINGTON — An Ohio man has been placed under arrest for allegedly spraying an unknown substance at victims while shouting an antisemitic phrase in Northwest, D.C. on Sunday. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the assault as motivated by hate or bias.
Just before 9:30 a.m., officers responded to the Kesher Israel Congregation in Northwest for a report of someone spraying an unknown substance at two victims while shouting an antisemitic phrase. At the scene, officers located the suspect and placed him under arrest. As a precaution, police searched the suspect's car. No hazardous materials were found. No injuries were reported.
The suspect has since been identified as Brent Wood, 33, of Ohio. Police arrested and charged him with simple assault and resisting arrest for his alleged involvement in Sunday's assault in Northwest.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the assault as being motivated by hate or bias. Investigators say this can be changed at any point as the investigation proceeds and more information is gathered. Police remind the public that just because MPD is investigating this assault as a hate crime, does not mean it will be prosecuted as such.
The investigation into this assault on N Street is active and ongoing.
This comes after MPD officers were made aware of an unknown person sending threatening emails to multiple synagogues in D.C. on Sunday. Police say the threats sent and the assault that occurred on Sunday are unrelated.
Police will have increased visibility around places of worship to help ensure the safety of the community.
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