'Death to IDF' written on street after 'car bombings'

(NewsNation) — A hate crime investigation is underway after an antisemitic message was scrawled next to three cars that were set on fire in Clayton, Missouri.

The Clayton Fire and Police Departments rushed to a neighborhood nine miles west of St. Louis just after 3 a.m. and found three cars on fire.

Flames were engulfing a minivan and Mazda parked along the street and a Toyota Highlander was burning in the driveway of a home.

"Death to the IDF," the acronym for the Israel Defense Forces, was written on the road, according to footage captured by First Alert 4.

Clayton police believe the cars were set on fire on purpose and that the victim was targeted.

No one was injured during the incident.

The FBI and regional law enforcement have been called in to help investigate the case, according to a statement from Clayton Mayor Bridget McAndrew.

McAndrew described the act as "repulsive" and said "we will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or violence based on someone’s nationality, race, religion, or ideology."

"I’ve been briefed about the reported car bombings in St. Louis and alleged antisemitic vandalism," Justice Department official Harmeet Dhillon wrote on X.

"Our PDAAG @JesusOseteDOJ has been in touch with the US Attorney for EDMo. Our office intends to hold the perpetrators accountable for these violent acts."