Man arrested for carving Nazi symbols into Beverly Hills menorah

Surveillance video also shows suspect hurling objects at menorah on first night of Hanukkah; local police chief denounces ‘despicable act’

By AP and ToI Staff 20 December 2022, 3:50 am

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A screenshot from surveillance video shows a man vandalizing a menorah in the Southern California city of Beverly Hills, December 18, 2022. (YouTube screenshot; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

BEVERLY HILLS, California — A man was arrested after Nazi symbols were carved into a menorah in Beverly Hills, local police said.

Officers responded Sunday night to reports that a menorah on private property was being vandalized, police said in a statement.

Images from the scene showed a “SS” symbol etched into the base of the menorah.

Surveillance video also showed the suspect hurling objects at the menorah.

Use of the surveillance video led to the arrest of Eric Brian King, of Dallas, Texas, for investigation of felony vandalism and a hate crime, police said.

It was not immediately known if King had an attorney. Online Los Angeles County jail information showed that King, 47, was scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday.

“A despicable act such as this will never be tolerated in our city,” Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook said.

The incident occurred on the first night of Hanukkah, which runs through December 26 this year.