Winnipeg Arrest Made in Antisemitic Graffiti Spree Across City

Winnipeg police have arrested a suspect in connection with a series of antisemitic graffiti incidents, including the defacement of the Shaarey Zedek synagogue. The arrest of Oliver Didtger Ederhof, 34, comes after public assistance helped authorities link him to this spree of vandalism, which affected at least 14 locations, including private homes and vehicles in the Charleswood neighbourhood.

At a media conference on January 9, police revealed that the suspect’s actions involved spray painting swastikas and other graffiti messages between 04:00 and 06:00 local time on January 4. While the synagogue was the first to report the vandalism, several other affected sites, including a nearby high school and mosque, reported similar incidents later in the day.

Insp. Jen McKinnon of the Winnipeg Police Major Crimes Unit stated, “Some of these locations were spray painted with red or white swastikas, while others were tagged with messages or words that were not indicative of hate.” This raises questions about whether the additional sites were specifically targeted or if they were random acts of vandalism.

Ederhof was taken into custody without incident shortly before noon on January 4 and charged with 14 counts of mischief under $5,000. He has been released on an undertaking, and his first court appearance is scheduled for March 17, 2026. Despite the charges, police have not yet classified the incidents as hate-motivated crimes, as the investigation is ongoing.

Insp. McKinnon explained the rationale behind the initial charges: “We had arrested the suspect and were still in the process of interviewing him. This case is still unfolding, and charges may evolve after consultation with Manitoba’s prosecution services.”

The investigation took a concerning turn when a “suspicious item” was reportedly thrown from a bridge behind the synagogue. The bomb squad was subsequently dispatched to retrieve the object, although authorities assured the public that it posed no safety risk.

Community leaders, including those from the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, expressed relief at the arrest. In a joint statement, they said, “One week ago, Winnipeg’s oldest synagogue was desecrated in a vile act of hatred… We commend authorities for their swift work and expect criminals to be held accountable to the full extent of the law.”

The Jewish community in Winnipeg has shown resilience in the wake of these events, standing united against hatred. Rabbi Carnie Rose and antisemitism educator Belle Jarniewski are featured in a podcast discussing the impact of the graffiti on the community.

While the police have stated that Ederhof was known to them prior to this incident, they clarified that he does not have a criminal record as an adult. The investigation remains open, with authorities urging anyone who sees graffiti to report it rather than attempting to remove it, as documentation is essential for ongoing investigations.

Insp. McKinnon concluded, “For today, this arrest will not erase what happened, but it is an important step towards accountability and healing. Our commitment to justice, to safety, and to standing up against hate does not end today.”

As the situation develops, the community continues to navigate the implications of these acts of vandalism, reaffirming their commitment to unity and strength in the face of hate.