Crime & Safety
Teenage Suspects Charged in Vandalism That Used Nazi Swastikas
The Montgomery Police Department has charged two teenagers with acts of vandalism in Rockville and Potomac that used anti-Semitic speech and Nazi symbols.
Two high school students, ages 16 and 17, have been charged in recent hate-crime vandalism in Rockville and Potomac that defaced property with Nazi swastikas and derogatory references to Jews.
According to WJLA, Montgomery County police suspect the pair -- arrested on May 8 -- may be responsible for 20 acts of vandalism that recently happened.
So far, the teens have only been charged with three specific cases of vandalism that happened between April 18 and April 21, according to a press release from the Montgomery County Police Department. A Nazi swastika and the racial slur “All Jews Burn” were drawn on two buses at the Montgomery Child Care Association. A swastika was drawn on the synagogue sign of Young Israel of Potomac. “SS” and a swastika were drawn on the windshield of a vehicle in a residential area.
Police identified the teens by obtaining surveillance videos that showed the suspects during these acts of vandalism, and with the help of a school resource officer, identified them as high school students.
“We strongly value diversity in Montgomery County and our partnership with our faith community,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Hate-based acts and crimes will not be tolerated in Montgomery County.”
WJLA reports that someone “associated with the investigation said that he believes the pair acted more out of stupidity than bigotry.”
- What are your thoughts on these vandalisms? Tell us in the comments section.
Rabbi Yosef Singer of Congregation Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac thanked the police department for the investigations and arrests.
“We wish to express our profound gratitude to Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger and his staff for the hard work and professionalism they displayed in apprehending the perpetrators of the recent act of anti-Semitic vandalism committed against our synagogue and community,” he said. “We are especially appreciative of their genuine concern for the sensitivities of the Jewish community. The quick and effective response of the MCPD show that these acts of hatred will not be tolerated.”
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