PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are searching for a man they said was caught on camera vandalizing a statue outside the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Old City.
It happened around 8 p.m. on Aug. 13. Police said a man was seen writing an “offensive message” on the OY/YO statue right outside the museum.
Surveillance footage shows a man — approximately 50 to 60 years old, with multiple tattoos, wearing a white tank top, khaki shorts, and red and white Nike Air Jordans — vandalizing the statue. Then, police said he entered the SEPTA 5th Street Station through the southeast stairs.
Philadelphia Police Department
State Rep. Tarik Khan said he spotted the graffiti and reported it to both the police and local organizations that track antisemitism.
The museum called the incident "deeply troubling" but said it won't be intimidated.
The man’s identity is unknown. Police are still searching for a motive and investigating whether this could be a hate crime. Anyone with information can submit a tip at 215-686-8477, or anonymously online.
About a year prior, on Aug. 18, 2025, a man was caught spraying red paint on the museum's exterior. A week later, red paint appeared on a display showing solidarity with Israel on the Fifth Street side of the museum. Leroy Hayes was charged in connection with both incidents.
