Case of Swastika Graffiti at Westland Middle School Closed: Police

BETHESDA, MD — Authorities have closed the criminal investigation into swastikas drawn on the mirrors and walls of a boys' restroom in a Bethesda middle school, which was deemed an act of "hate-based vandalism" by Montgomery County Police.

A letter from Westland Middle School Principal Alison Serino that was sent home to students and parents after the Nov. 11 incident says the vandals drew multiple images of swastikas using ink pen, pencil and a glue stick. After police and school officials had photographed and studied the graffiti, it was removed from the bathroom walls.

Montgomery County Police say that they have closed their investigation into the graffiti, and will let school officials continue to look for the culprit. If a student is identified as the vandal, the district will handle the punishment.

School officials notified parents on Dec. 12 that after a “thorough investigation” they “have not been able to identify the person or people responsible,” reports Montgomery Community Media. According to a school announcement, the vandalism was reported to the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Serino said school officials were “very saddened by this incident” and that this “type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

A $10,000 reward for an arrest in the case was announced in November. Anyone with information about this vandalism or the suspect is asked to contact police at 240-773-6710.

WUSA posted Serino's full letter to parents:
Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,
I want to share with you information about an event that took place at Westland. I am sending you this letter to give you the facts and to assure you that we are addressing this incident.
One of our boys’ bathrooms was vandalized with multiple images of swastikas drawn in ink pen, in pencil and withglue stick.
Once we were informed about the images we immediately secured the location, contacted the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and contacted the Montgomery County Public Schools office of school support and improvement. After appropriate documentation by our staff and by the police our building services staff removed the vandalism.
We are very saddened by this incident. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. Once the culprit(s) are identified, consequences will be administered in accordance with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.
We will continue to work closely with police, as well as MCPS security, on this investigation. If you have further questions, please call the school at 301.320.6515.
Sincerely,
Alison L. Serino
Principal