A 17-year-old female has been apprehended following an investigation conducted by the Carmel Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the damage caused at the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla on 116th Street in Carmel on or about July 28. The circumstances include spray-painted graffiti depicting swastikas and iron crosses and also burn marks around and next to the same structure.
The two offenses allegedly committed are Criminal Mischief and Arson, which, if committed by an adult, would be a Class A Misdemeanor and a Level 6 Felony, respectively.
Court documents state Carmel Police Department got a tip leading them to Nolan Brewer. FBI detectives found Walmart security video showing Brewer and the 17-year-old female buying red and black spray paint and bandanas the day before the incident.
Indiana State Police stopped Brewer’s car on Wednesday and found him in a military-style, camouflage jacket with a German flag on it.
Brewer admitted to police that he and the juvenile female used homemade napalm to light a fire under the swastika to create an “effect.” Investigators said they found pictures of the vandalism on his phone.
The vandalism sparked support from people across the Indianapolis area and electronic billboards showing the word “love” with the Star of David.
“They tried to evoke hatred and fear,” Congregation Shaarey Tefilla Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow said. “What they produced was an outpouring of love and support and solidarity.”