CLAYTON, Mo. - Officials from the Clayton Police Department (CPD) say multiple cars were set on fire and vandalized with hateful graffiti in the 7500 block of Westmore Avenue, near North Hanley Road, on Tuesday morning.

Investigators are now treating the incident as a hate crime and are working with federal partners to find answers.

"It's terrible and I hope they find them," said one resident, Clare Phelan.

Police say three vehicles (two parked along the street and one on a private driveway) caught on fire around 3 a.m. One neighbor recounted the event with FOX 2.

"I woke up to my dog going crazy and just heard people yelling some loud noises," said Lucy Shelly. "And then the fire truck showed up and could hear the hoses and sirens."

Investigators have confirmed that antisemitic language was spray-painted across the roadway. They also say there is no known threat to the broader community. But for some residents  nearby, the emotional impact lingers.

"It's hard to believe. I'm glad everyone's okay, but it's really hard to believe that this happened here," Shelly said.

As American Jewish organizations and proud St. Louisans released a statement:

“We condemn in the strongest terms the attack on members of our community last night. This is more than vandalism; it is a hateful act of intimidation and only the latest example of what happens when antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric are normalized.

As the just-released FBI 2024 hate crimes report found, Jews were the target of nearly 70 percent of religiously motivated hate crimes in the U.S. and more than 16 percent of all hate crimes nationally.

We are a resilient community, and we will not be deterred in our quest to uproot antisemitism and hatred, alone and with our partners. Antisemitism is a social ill that must be rejected by all of society.

We wish to thank law enforcement for continuing the investigation and providing support to those directly affected. We will continue to invest in protecting our synagogues, schools, and community spaces through our Community Security Team and other initiatives. We call on civic and community leaders to join us in speaking out clearly and forcefully against antisemitism in all its forms."

Clayton Mayor Bridget McAndrew released a statement to FOX 2 regarding the incident:

“We will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or violence based on someone’s nationality, race, religion, or ideology. In Clayton, we are committed to fostering a community where every resident feels safe, valued, and welcome. This is not just an aspiration—it is our responsibility as neighbors and as citizens. As such, I call upon all Clayton residents to join me in embracing the principles of respect, understanding, and inclusion that define who we are as a community,” McAndrew said.

So far, no arrests have been made, but Clayton police say they're pursuing every lead. Those who may have information about the incident are asked to call the Clayton Police Department at 314-290-8414.