Elrich Condemns 'Racist' Vandalism At Historic Black Church In Potomac

POTOMAC, MD — Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich called the recent burglary and vandalism at Scotland African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Potomac another example of “racist and hate-filled vandalism” in the county.

The vandalism at the Scotland AME Zion Church on Nov. 25 came about two weeks after anti-Semitic graffiti was found along the Bethesda Trolley Trail in Montgomery County.

“Throughout our nation's history, Black churches have been a refuge and safe space to avoid racism, hate, prejudice, and injustices,” Elrich said in a statement Tuesday. “It is a shame that, despite our efforts to make our Country more inclusive, there are still those who hate so much that they desecrate one of our solemn, sacred and historic landmarks like Scotland AME.”

Elrich said his thoughts are with Pastor Dr. Evalina Huggins and the congregation of Scotland AME Zion Church and the entire Scotland community.

“We want them to know that this entire county stands with this church and condemns these actions in the strongest terms,” he said.

The Scotland AME Zion Church has been a center of community for Black congregants since 1924, but its structure was nearly destroyed and left unusable by a flood in 2019. The church and its community partners in Montgomery County have launched a multiphase project to repair and restore the building.

On Monday, the Montgomery County Police Department released video of a group of suspects in the burglary and vandalism of the church. The police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects. The church is located in the 10900 block of Seven Locks Rd. in Potomac.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by Montgomery County Police for information that leads to arrests of the suspects in the church vandalism. The public can contact the Montgomery County Police Department if they have information about the vandalism.

“Hate has no place in Montgomery County. We are going to continue to work with our interfaith and nonprofit communities to ensure that their members, congregants, and property is safe and secure,” Elrich said.

Any houses of worship or historically Black community organizations that encounter similar acts of vandalism can report incidents by calling the police at 301-279-8000.

Faith organizations that experience a hate crime or incident can also reach out to the Faith Community Liaison with the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships for support and information at interfaith@montgomerycountymd.gov.

RELATED:

• Video Shows Suspects In Burglary Of Historic Church In Potomac: Police
• Anti-Semitic Graffiti In Bethesda Denounced By County Officials