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A hate crime investigation is underway after the front window of the Chicago Loop Synagogue was smashed by a vandal who affixed swastikas to its front entrance early Saturday.

Officers responded at 12:20 a.m. to a call of “criminal damage in progress” at the temple at 16 S. Clark St., according to Chicago Police.

At about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, the suspect was seen getting out of a dark SUV, possibly a Toyota Highlander, and vandalizing the front of the synagogue.

The suspect was described as a white male wearing dark clothing and a dark face mask, police said.

No one was in custody as Area Central detectives investigated the vandalism as a hate crime.

Chicago police are investigating the case as a hate crime.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)