Racist Graffiti Found On Black Lives Matter Banner At Church

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A Black Lives Matter banner at a local church has been vandalized twice since last week, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department. The first incident, which occurred between July 30-31, involved racially insensitive graffiti and symbols painted on the banner at Lutheran Church of the Cross. The second incident, in which the banner was ripped, happened between the time of the first incident and Wednesday, Police Commander Joe Pinnello told Patch.

In addition to showing support for Black Lives Matter, the banner quotes a Bible verse: "Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God."

The incident comes a month after a Buffalo Grove man was charged with 14 felony counts of hate crime and criminal damage to governmental supported property involving seven incidents around Arlington Heights between May and July. Josiah J. Biewer, 20, was arrested in connection with the charges.

Police have been investigating a number of incidents involving hateful markings spray-painted on public and private properties between May and June, with two locations hit multiple times.

With the latest incidents at Lutheran Church of the Cross, located at 2025 S Goebbert Drive, police are keeping busy looking for the perpetrator.

"The investigation into these incidents continues and the Arlington Heights Police Department will continue to thoroughly investigate these types of incidents," Pinnello said.

According to a social media post, a rally is scheduled from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Friday at the church in support of Black Lives Matter and to condemn the vandalism.

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