Billboard With Hate Speech Being Investigated: Deerfield Mayor

DEERFIELD, IL — A multi-jurisdictional investigation is underway following a Wednesday night incident involving hate speech. According to the mayor of Deerfield, "abhorrent hate speech messages" were displayed on an electronic billboard across the Edens Spur.

"I strongly condemn this hate speech. It has no place in Deerfield or anywhere else," Deerfield Mayor Daniel Shapiro said in a message to the community Wednesday night.

Shapiro said he became aware of the billboard from multiple Jewish institutions in the community.

"The messages have been removed and, it is my understanding, the manager of the property on which the billboard is located has reported that its system was hacked, and the billboard has been disabled," said Shapiro, who added that multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the ongoing investigation.

Jewish United Fund of Chicago said in a social media post that the organization became aware of the offensive billboard imagery an hour before sundown and reached out to Outfront Media, the company that owns the billboard. According to JUF, the Chicago-based media company believes the billboard had been hacked, and Outfront Media has opened its own investigation.

On Thursday, the Northbrook Village Board condemned the billboard, stating it "stands together with the Jewish community, family members, friends and neighbors. Northbrook is an inclusive community and welcomes all."

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider also said he is aware of the billboard, calling it "disgusting."

"This disgusting, intimidating display has no place in the 10th District, or anywhere in America," Schneider said. "It is notable that this sign is located in a community with a large Jewish population, in close proximity to a Jewish day school, at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot."