Northville Township Shaken by Antisemitic Flyers Distribution
On the evenings of October 6 and 7, residents of Northville Township were taken aback when they discovered plastic sandwich bags filled with disturbing antisemitic flyers and corn kernels scattered across driveways in their neighborhoods. This unsettling incident wasn’t isolated to Northville; it was part of a larger pattern as similar fliers were reported in Farmington Hills and neighboring Oakland County areas over the weekend.
Community Response and Investigation Underway
Northville Township Police swiftly acted in response to a resident’s report upon discovering the flyers on their property. Local authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and informed the public about the situation through official channels, expressing their commitment to identifying those responsible for these divisive actions.
The flyers featured overt hostility towards the Jewish community, which understandably left many in the area feeling anxious about the safety of their neighborhood. Officers collected the offensive materials as evidence and began checking security footage from homes in the vicinity, hoping to track down anyone who might have been distributing these disturbing messages.
Canton Township Joins the Investigation
Just a day later, on Monday, Canton Township Police received several reports of the same antisemitic flyers having been found in driveways across multiple subdivision streets. Similar to the Northville investigation, they discovered that the flyers were placed inside plastic bags likely weighed down with corn kernels, a detail that seems disturbingly intentional.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Canton Township Police voiced their commitment to uncovering the perpetrator(s), calling on homeowners to review their surveillance camera footage for any potential leads. Police Chief Chad Baugh emphasized that “the safety and well-being of our community is paramount” and reiterated that those responsible will be held accountable under Michigan laws.
Local Officials Take a Stand
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak assured residents that hate speech would not be tolerated in their community. “Canton residents deserve to feel safe and respected in their homes and neighborhoods,” she stated. “We are taking these actions very seriously and I have full confidence that our Police Department will be diligently working with other departments in the area to make sure this does not continue or escalate.”
Wider Implications and Community Support
As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear how many communities in Wayne County have been affected by these hate messages. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office also jumped on board, indicating they are looking into multiple incidents of antisemitic flyers being distributed throughout the county. Cities like Rochester Hills and Commerce Township were among those noted as having similar incidents. Sheriff Michael Bouchard did not mince words, sending a strong message to those promoting hate: “If you come at our Jewish community, or for that matter anyone in our Oakland County community, we will stand in front of them to protect them and we will come for you.”
Community Encouragement for Reporting
The authorities are encouraging any residents who might have witnessed anything suspicious or have relevant information to come forward. Residents can contact the Northville Township Police Department’s non-emergency line at 248-349-9400. It’s vital for communities to band together in times of distress, and the more information police have, the quicker they can act to restore peace and safety.
As our communities come together in the face of hate, it’s a reminder that we must always strive for understanding, respect, and inclusivity.
