Antisemitic Graffiti Found Along Bethesda Trolley Trail: Police

BETHESDA, MD — The Montgomery County Police Department said the department is investigating antisemitic graffiti found along the Bethesda Trolley Trail over the weekend.

According to police, around 6:46 a.m. Sunday, MCP officers responded to the trolly trail near Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road in Bethesda for a report of vandalism that had occurred earlier.

"Officers arrived on scene and found antisemitic writing in areas of the trail. No one has been arrested," police said in a statement to Patch. "This is an active and ongoing investigation."

Spray-painted swastikas and white power symbols were discovered on a white fence along the trail early Sunday morning, according to a modified image shared by Maryland State Delegate Ariana Kelly via Twitter. [See image at this link.]

"HATE HAS NO PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I have heard from a number of constituents this AM about white nationalist vandalism along the Bethesda Trolley Trail. I’m sharing a modified image below. Police are involved," she tweeted.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was quick to condemn the graffiti and called it "hateful." He also issued the following statement:

“I am saddened, upset, and, quite frankly, disgusted over the racist vandalism that occurred near the Bethesda Trolley Trail this weekend. This incident follows other recent attacks of vandalism and hate throughout the County over the last several months. Trying to intimidate others through fear will not succeed and will not be tolerated.

I encourage anyone with any knowledge or information about this vandalism to contact the Montgomery County Police Department as soon as possible. Hate has no home in Montgomery County, and we will be investigating and prosecuting those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

As we have in the past, we will organize, unite, and fight back against xenophobic behavior. The Montgomery County government will be working with the impacted community and organizations. We will continue to support all efforts, to bring peace, inclusion, and respect to all of our ethnic, racial, and faith communities in wake of this attempt to spread hate in our County.”

Anyone with information regarding the person responsible for the graffiti is asked to call the 2nd District Station at 240-773-6700. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).