Swastikas, 'White Power' Spray Painted On Royal Oak Homes

ROYAL OAK, MI — Seven Royal Oak homes were defiled with swastikas and/or the phrase "white power" early Sunday morning in a neighborhood east of Woodward Avenue and north of 11 Mile Road Road, according to Royal Oak Police Lt. Keith Spencer. Police do not have suspect(s) in the incidents, but actively investigating, he said.

Police were first called to a home in the 500 block of Woodcrest just before 6 a.m. Sunday. A red swastika had been spray painted on the garage door. While investigating that incident, officers discovered other residents in the neighborhood that had also been vandalized

Officers observed other garages, fences, vehicles, and a tree spray painted with swastikas and the phrase "white power." Royal Oak Police took reports from six other residents and believe the incidents occurred in the early morning hours in the neighborhood around Farnum Avenue and Maxwell Avenue.

“Like many of you, I am deeply troubled and concerned about the revolting acts of vandalism that took place over the weekend,” Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier said in a statement. “Royal Oak rejects racism and bigotry in all its forms. We stand together and denounce these vile and cowardly acts.”

Fournier described Royal Oak as a welcoming and tolerant city. “Hate has no home or safe harbor in our community,” he said “The Royal Oak Police Department will do everything possible to catch the perpetrators and hold them accountable.”

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Spencer said the incidents “appear to be random and not targeted towards any specific homeowner.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Spencer in the Royal Oak Police Criminal Investigation Division at (248) 246-3456.

File Photo