A suspect set fire to an unidentified object near the Jewish Museum of Maryland on Sunday night before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported. The fire caused minor damage to the museum's front gate and nearby sidewalk
Federal investigators and local authorities in Baltimore collected evidence on Wednesday that included fire residue and security camera video that captured a single individual setting the fire.
"It looked like someone pulled up outside the museum Sunday night around 10:30 p.m., put an item out in front of the museum, lit it on fire and took off," said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council.
While the footprint of the fire is small, the intent is a big concern as museum officials want police to investigate it as a hate crime.
"The fire bureau investigation unit from the Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating the incident; it involved some type of fire of unknown origin," Baltimore City fire Capt. Dennis Dawson said.
The museum, which celebrates Jewish culture and history, is sandwiched between two synagogues, including the first one in Baltimore.
"We all have to stand together against hate. We all have different points of view about Israel's war against Hamas," Libit said. "Nothing justifies any kind of violence, any kind of graffiti, any kind of arson attack."
According to the police, museum officials reported receiving no prior threats. No arrests have been made so far.