A portion of a Baltimore School Board meeting was interrupted by racist and antisemitic content on Tuesday, prompting a hate crime investigation, according to district officials. 

The "antisemitic, racist, and obscene adult content that was deeply offensive, threatening, and inappropriate in nature" was shown during the public comment part of the meeting after officials said an unauthorized person gained access. 

"It was antisemitic, racist, obscene, adult content that was offensive and threatening and inappropriate in nature," said Tina Hike-Hubbard, from the Baltimore City Public Schools' Communications, Engagement and Enrollment Office.

Graphic content during school board meeting 

District officials said the meeting was immediately paused as soon as the image was detected. 

The board then went into recess as they determined a safe way to continue the meeting. 

The meeting later continued in person, and officials said a recording of the meeting will be posted. 

Tina Hike-Hubbard, the chief of BCPS's Communications, Engagement and Enrollment Office, said the meeting had in-person participants and it was live-streamed on YouTube, which was stopped not long after.

Hate crime investigation 

District officials said the content "undoubtedly impacted and caused harm to" members of the community. 

The incident is being investigated as a hate crime by Baltimore City School Police and the Baltimore Police Department.

"Because it was virtual, we'll work hand-in-hand with our office of information and technology to ensure that those safeguards are put in place to limit sharing availability opportunities for persons who log onto the school board," said Baltimore City School Police Chief Jeffrey Shorter.

District officials are working to ensure the platforms they use are safe and that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. 

"Steadfast in our values, we will not allow the malicious actions of any individuals to disrupt the trust we have built with our community," district leaders said in a statement.

What did the content show?

The organization, Baltimore Zionist District, described the image containing swastikas and antisemitic language.

The group released a statement saying, "This was not simply graphic or offensive. It was antisemitism, pure and simple. Attempts to minimize it with generic labels erase the truth and downplay the harm to our community."

The statement continues saying, "The Baltimore Zionist District stands with Baltimore City Public Schools in strongly rejecting this vile act and with all who are committed to confronting antisemitism wherever it appears."

Baltimore City Schools Police have begun investigating, which will include identifying the culprit and holding them accountable.

"Once we identify the person responsible for this, we'll contact the State's Attorney's Office and any other law enforcement agency that will help us prosecute this person," Chief Shorter said.