The Sarasota Police Department arrested a Florida resident following an incident of targeted vandalism at Chabad of Downtown SRQ on Friday. Brayton Laschinger, 30, was taken into custody and is facing a felony charge of criminal mischief of a religious building. This was also deemed a hate crime.
The attack occurred at approximately 6 a.m. on Wednesday at the synagogue located on Cocoanut Avenue. Surveillance footage captured Laschinger wearing a blue towel over his head and face as he hurled a brick several times to smash the building’s front window.
The Sarasota Police Department stated: “Laschinger claims that same morning, he saw propaganda on social media, and that was making him mad. He admitted to detectives that he threw the brick at the window of the synagogue because it was a Jewish place of worship.”
The investigation remains active as local law enforcement continues to review the case. Officials have urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division or reach out anonymously via the Sarasota Crime Stoppers.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing hostility toward Jewish institutions across Florida. According to data from the Anti-Defamation League’s annual audit, the state recorded 319 antisemitic incidents in 2025 alone, including nearly 100 acts of vandalism and multiple assaults, keeping Florida among the states with the highest volume of targeted hostility nationwide.
Chabad Rabbi thanks police, urges heightened security
As the community reels from this event, Rabbi Levi Steinmetz of Chabad of Downtown SRQ shared a statement with The Jerusalem Post.
“We are grateful that an arrest was made and deeply appreciate the Sarasota Police Department’s swift response and thorough investigation,” he said. “This incident has, nevertheless, left many members of our community shaken. The outpouring of support from so many members of our community, our neighbors, and local faith leaders has truly warmed our hearts.”
However, Steinmetz noted that the community’s concerns remain heightened regarding the suspect's legal status.
“At the same time, it is deeply concerning that the suspect has been released on bail while these serious charges are pending,” he explained. “We hope that heightened security measures will be taken, and that this case will be brought to justice as swiftly as possible.”
Despite these challenges, the rabbi emphasized a steadfast commitment to resilience, community life, and mutual support.
“Despite this, we refuse to allow fear to dictate our future. We will continue to be an open and welcoming home for Jewish life. We will continue gathering for prayer, learning, and acts of kindness," he said.
“We are profoundly grateful to the broader Sarasota community for standing with us. Your support strengthens us and reminds us that, when we stand together, hate will never have the final word.”