A Jewish cemetery in Cincinnati has reported the vandalism of 176 gravestones, triggering an FBI investigation. Community leaders expressed their deep concern and sorrow over the incident, which involved the toppling of numerous gravestones.

“When a crime occurs on religious grounds, it becomes a federal matter,” Susskind, an executive director at a local cemetery noted, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The vandalism is believed to have happened between June 25 and Monday. Authorities are requesting that anyone who visited the cemetery during this time report any unusual observations to assist in narrowing down the timeline.

The affected gravestones include some dating back to the 1800s, which has deeply impacted the community WLWT Cincinnati reported.

Locals condemned the act, describing it as part of a disturbing trend of increasing antisemitic violence. “It’s a cowardly act, but our community remains resolute,” he stated.