Who is Brent Wood and Why Did He Spray a Synagogue in Georgetown with a Smelly Substance?

A man named Brent Wood has been arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and bias-related crime after he allegedly sprayed a foul-smelling substance on two people outside a synagogue in Georgetown, D.C. on December 18, 2023. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the Jewish community and the public, as it comes amid a rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the country.

What happened outside the synagogue?

According to the police report, Wood approached two people who were standing outside the Kesher Israel Congregation on 28th Street NW around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2023. He asked them if they were Jewish, and when they said yes, Brent Wood sprayed them with a substance that smelled like urine from a plastic bottle. He then fled the scene on foot.

The victims, a man and a woman, were not injured, but they were left shaken and disgusted by the attack. They reported the incident to the police, who arrived at the scene and collected evidence. The police also notified the FBI and the D.C. Office of Human Rights, as the attack was considered a hate crime.

How was Wood identified and arrested?

The police released a surveillance video of the suspect on Sunday, December 19, 2023, and asked the public for help in identifying him. The video showed Brent Wood wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, a black hat, and a black mask. He was carrying a black backpack and a plastic bottle.

The video was widely circulated on social media, and several people recognized Wood and contacted the police. Wood was arrested on Monday, December 20, 2023, at his home in Arlington, Virginia. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the D.C. police headquarters for processing.

Who is Brent Wood and what is his motive?

Wood is a 37-year-old white male who lives in Arlington, Virginia. He has a criminal record that includes charges of assault, theft, and drug possession. He also has a history of mental illness and substance abuse. He was previously hospitalized for psychiatric treatment in 2019, after he threatened to kill himself and his family.

Brent Wood’s motive for the attack is not clear, but the police believe he acted alone and was not affiliated with any extremist group. He told the police that he was angry at the Jewish people for “killing Jesus” and that he wanted to “make them pay”. He also said that he obtained the foul-smelling substance from a dumpster and that he planned to spray more people at other synagogues.

What are the reactions to the attack?

The attack has been condemned by the Jewish community, the local authorities, and the public. The Kesher Israel Congregation issued a statement on Sunday, December 19, 2023, saying that they were “shocked and saddened” by the attack and that they were “grateful for the swift response of the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI”. They also thanked the community for their support and solidarity.

The D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also issued a statement on Sunday, December 19, 2023, saying that she was “outraged” by the attack and that she stood with the Jewish community. She said that “hate has no place in our city” and that “we will not tolerate acts of violence or intimidation against anyone based on their faith”. She also urged the public to report any suspicious activity or hate incidents to the police.

The public also expressed their anger and sympathy for the victims on social media, using hashtags such as #StandWithKesher and #NoHate. Many people called for justice and accountability for Brent Wood and for more protection and education for the Jewish community. Some people also shared their own experiences of anti-Semitism and offered their prayers and support for the victims.

What are the statistics and trends of anti-Semitism in the U.S.?

The attack on the synagogue in Georgetown is part of a larger pattern of anti-Semitism in the U.S. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish civil rights organization, there were 2,024 incidents of anti-Semitic harassment, vandalism, and assault in the U.S. in 2020, a 4% decrease from 2019, but still the third-highest number on record. The incidents included 919 cases of harassment, 1,055 cases of vandalism, and 50 cases of assault.

The ADL also reported that there were 327 incidents of anti-Semitism linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, such as blaming Jews for spreading the virus, using Nazi imagery to protest lockdown measures, and targeting Jewish institutions and individuals online. The ADL also noted that there was a surge in anti-Semitism during the Israel-Gaza conflict in May 2021, when there were 251 incidents of anti-Semitism in the U.S., a 115% increase from the same period in 2020.

The ADL attributed the rise in anti-Semitism to several factors, such as the proliferation of online hate speech, the polarization of the political climate, the influence of extremist groups, and the lack of awareness and education about the Holocaust and Jewish history. The ADL called for more action and collaboration from the government, the media, the tech companies, the civil society, and the public to combat anti-Semitism and to promote respect and tolerance for all people.

What are the resources and tips for preventing and responding to anti-Semitism?

There are several resources and tips for preventing and responding to anti-Semitism, such as:

• Reporting any incidents of anti-Semitism to the police, the ADL, or other relevant authorities or organizations. The ADL has a website where people can report and track anti-Semitic incidents, as well as a hotline (1-800-220-5423) where people can get assistance and support.
• Educating oneself and others about the history and culture of the Jewish people, the causes and effects of anti-Semitism, and the ways to challenge and counter anti-Semitic stereotypes and myths. The ADL has a website where people can find educational materials, programs, and tools for learning and teaching about anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.
• Supporting and standing with the Jewish community and other marginalized groups, by expressing solidarity, attending events, donating funds, volunteering, or joining coalitions. The ADL has a website where people can find ways to get involved and take action against hate and discrimination.
• Speaking out and taking action against anti-Semitism and other forms of hate, by challenging hateful speech and behavior, raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, or organizing campaigns. The ADL has a website where people can find tips and strategies for speaking out and taking action against hate.