Residents in parts of Chanhassen woke up this week to find racist and antisemitic flyers in their neighborhoods, and the discovery has now triggered a formal investigation by Carver County deputies, city officials said Tuesday. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement so investigators can determine who is responsible.
In a Facebook update, the city shared a photo and an OCR transcript of one leaflet and said the materials contained "racist and antisemitic language," according to the City of Chanhassen. The post notes that the handout appears to include header text referencing a "Carver County deputy" and an embossed seal, and that deputies are actively investigating.
How officials are responding
Carver County deputies confirm they are investigating and are encouraging anyone with information to reach out, according to the Carver County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's non-emergency line is (952) 361-1231, and the county operates a confidential tip line at (952) 361-1224. Investigators have not announced any arrests or identified suspects as the probe continues.
Broader context
Incidents involving antisemitic and bias-driven material have been rising nationally in recent years. The United States recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, the highest total on record, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Federal data show Minnesota reported 209 hate-crime incidents in 2023, including 45 motivated by religion, per the U.S. Department of Justice.
How neighbors can help
Officials are asking residents not to simply toss the flyers if they find them. Instead, preserve the leaflet, photograph it, and then turn it over to investigators. Note the date, time, and exact location where it was discovered, and avoid handling it more than necessary.
To share information with law enforcement, call the confidential tip line at (952) 361-1224 or the non-emergency number at (952) 361-1231, or submit a tip online through the sheriff's tip form, according to Carver County. For immediate threats or crimes in progress, residents are urged to call 911.
Legal implications
Whether distribution of the flyers will result in criminal charges depends on what investigators find and how Minnesota law applies. State statutes include penalty enhancements for crimes that are motivated by bias (see Minn. Stat. 609.595 via the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes) and require law enforcement agencies to report crimes suspected to be motivated by bias (Minn. Stat. 626.5531, per the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes). Prosecutors ultimately decide whether specific conduct rises to the level of a criminal offense.
The investigation remains ongoing, and city and county officials say they will share updates through their normal communication channels as new information becomes available. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the sheriff's office through the confidential tip line or the non-emergency number.
