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Oak Park officials condemn distribution of anti‑Semitic literature, urge residents to report leads
Summary
City Manager Eric Tungate and Public Safety Director Steve Cooper told council they are investigating distribution of anti‑Semitic flyers around Oak Park, have increased patrols near places of worship and schools, and urged residents with surveillance or leads to contact the investigation bureau.
City officials told the Oak Park City Council on May 18 they are investigating the distribution of anti‑Semitic literature in and around the community and have taken stepped‑up public‑safety measures.
City Manager Eric Tungate said the city “strongly condemns hateful and discriminatory materials of any kind” while noting that the city upholds First Amendment protections. Tungate said Public Safety has increased its presence near places of worship, schools and parks and that the city “will uphold the law to the fullest extent possible.”
Public Safety Director Steve Cooper said the department learned of the incident early Sunday morning, immediately contacted the city manager and activated investigative resources. “We are investigating it currently,” Cooper said, and asked residents with doorbell footage, surveillance or any leads to provide that information to the investigation bureau or contact him directly. Cooper also described coordination with neighboring communities' public‑safety directors, saying the pattern of literature distribution appears similar across nearby jurisdictions.
Council members thanked staff and urged vigilance. The city advised residents to report suspicious activity to 911 in an emergency and to Oak Park Public Safety at the non‑emergency line provided in the city statement.
What’s next: Public Safety continues its investigation and the city will maintain an enhanced presence around vulnerable community locations while encouraging residents to share any evidence that could assist investigators.
