Winnipeg police have laid charges against a 34-year-old man following a series of incidents involving hate-motivated graffiti and a subsequent break-in. The accused is linked to the defacement of a local synagogue and a high school with symbols of hate.
Charges Stem from Hate-Motivated Vandalism
The investigation began after reports of graffiti at a synagogue and a secondary school within the city. The vandalism, described by authorities as containing hate symbols, prompted an immediate response from the Winnipeg Police Service's Major Crimes Unit. The incidents are being treated as hate crimes, reflecting a serious targeting of community institutions.
Arrest Follows Alleged Break-In
The suspect's involvement came to a head following an unrelated break-in. Jon Hendricks, aged 34, was arrested in connection with that alleged property crime. During the course of that investigation, police say they linked him to the earlier graffiti incidents. He now faces charges related to both the break-in and the hate-motivated mischief.
Police Response and Community Impact
Winnipeg police emphasized their commitment to investigating crimes motivated by hate or bias. The defacement of a place of worship and an educational facility has a profound impact on the sense of safety within those communities. Authorities have not released the specific locations or the exact nature of the symbols used to avoid further sensationalism, but confirm the graffiti was unequivocally hateful. The case remains active, and police are continuing their work on the file.
The arrest of Jon Hendricks was confirmed on January 13, 2026. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. This case highlights the ongoing challenges Canadian cities face with hate-motivated property crimes and the police protocols used to address them.
