'I'm Not a Racist': Synagogue Vandalism Suspect

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: BETHESDA •ROCKVILLE • SILVER SPRING

The Gaithersburg teenager charged in the vandalism at Shaare Torah Synagogue told reporters Wednesday that the graffiti was a bad joke not intended as a racial slur and that he regrets the incident.

Montgomery County Police and detectives from the Gaithersburg Police charged Sebastian Espinoza-Carranza, 18, of Gaithersburg, with the April 7 vandalism that included swastikas, the initials KKK and other hate-based graffiti on the walls, windows and doors of the synagogue. More teenage suspects are being sought in the case, authorities say.

Police described the act as a hate crime and Gaithersburg’s mayor says it was despicable.

On Wednesday, Espinoza-Carranza apologized to the Jewish community and said he’s not a racist.

“I really regret what I did and I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have done it. … I love Jewish people, I have a lot of Jewish friends. … I’m not a racist person, I’m not. I would never be a racist person in my life,” he said in a Montgomery Community Media video.

He said the graffiti was a stupid joke and he hopes to talk with the synagogue’s rabbi to personally say he’s sorry for the incident.

Espinoza-Carranza was charged with property damage to a religious institution, defacement of a religious property, and malicious destruction of property over $1,000. He has been released on bond.

“When such a despicable crime occurs, it impacts the entire community irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity,” said Chief Mark Sroka of the Gaithersburg Police Department. “As such, detectives worked tirelessly to bring this case to a successful resolution and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

Watch the video of Espinoza-Carranza here.

»Screenshot of Sebastian Espinoza-Carranza from MyMCMedia

READ ALSO:

• UPDATE: Mother Says Son Arrested in Synagogue Vandalism Regrets Actions
• Beer Pong Rapist Sentenced to 150 Years for Assaulting Men
• Chief Justice John Roberts Rejected for Jury Duty
• Embattled Parents to Pursue All Legal Options Against ‘Unlawful Seizure’ of Kids