A 33-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio, was arrested in Washington, DC on Sunday after allegedly spraying an unknown substance at two individuals while shouting antisemitic remarks outside the Kesher Israel Congregation. The incident took place around 9:30 a.m., and witnesses reported that the suspect yelled, "Gas the Jews" as he deployed the foul-smelling substance. Although it is unclear if the victims were connected to the synagogue, the incident is being investigated as a possible hate or bias crime.

According to sources, Brent Wood, the suspect, was apprehended at the scene and charged with simple assault and resisting arrest. As a precautionary measure, authorities examined his car but found no hazardous materials. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that they are investigating the offense as a hate or bias crime, although the classification can change as more information is gathered.

The incident occurred amidst a surge in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across the nation linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The tensions surrounding the conflict have led to an increase in hate crimes and bias incidents targeting Jews, Muslims, and Arabs, according to reports. The Anti-Defamation League reported 2,031 antisemitic incidents in the two months following the October 7 attack by Hamas, including physical assaults, vandalism, and anti-Israel rallies featuring antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric.

Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, have warned that the ongoing war heightens the threat of violence during large public gatherings in the US, particularly holiday-related, faith-based, and New Year's Eve events. There has been an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats targeting synagogues, likely intended to disrupt events and intimidate congregants, according to the federal agencies.

In addition to the arrest in Washington DC, multiple synagogues in the city received threatening emails on the same day, although authorities confirmed there was no credible threat. These threats do not appear to be related to the assault incident. Nonetheless, police have stated that they will increase visibility around places of worship in the city to ensure safety.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has also documented a troubling rise in requests for help and reports of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Since October 7, the advocacy group has received 2,171 reports of bias incidents, including hate crimes, hate speech, and workplace discrimination.

As tensions continue to escalate, law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups are working to address the rise in hate crimes and biases targeting various communities. Authorities are urging vigilance, and efforts are being made to ensure the safety of religious and social institutions.