MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Montgomery County Police are looking for the people responsible for vandalizing multiple schools in the area.
On Monday, police were called to four different schools between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for reports of graffiti spray painted along school property. Officials with Montgomery County Public Schools say the graphics included antisemitic language, swastikas, and anti-LGBTQ+ language.
The first call came in at 6:26 a.m. at Churchill High School. The second call came in at 7:35 a.m. at Wootton High School. The third call came in at 9:15 a.m. at Strathmore Elementary School and the last phone call was placed at 9:24 a.m. at Fallsmead Elementary School.
This isn't the first time a school has been vandalized with antisemitic graffiti in Montgomery County. On August 11, community members gathered to clean up hateful language spray painted along Bethesda Elementary School's sign and crosswalk. Police have not released any suspect information related to that investigation. It is also unclear if the cases are all connected.
MCPS released a statement saying they are reaching out to parents to make them aware of what is happening and reassure them that police are actively investigating.
"We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment where all students, staff, and caregivers feel safe, valued, seen, heard and have a sense of belonging. We firmly denounce divisive actions that perpetuate hate, inequality, and injustice against any person, family, or community. We must unite to recognize and embrace our differences and not let them divide us."
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington issued a statement following the incidents that read in part:
"We thank MCPS and MCPD officials for their quick response to these damaging incidents — as well as other incidents targeting the LGBTQ+ population — and for ensuring that security and law enforcement patrols are being stepped up as necessary." Chief Operating Officer, Guila Franklin Siegel said. "We are confident that people of goodwill across all backgrounds and faiths will see these acts for what they are: hateful words designed to tear our communities apart rather than bring them together."