Suspects Who Painted Swastikas on Synagogue Captured on Camera

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Authorities are asking Gaithersburg residents and business owners who have surveillance cameras to check for footage of two vandals suspected of spray painting 11 swastikas and the initials KKK on the exterior of the Shaare Torah synagogue.

Police describe the incident as a hate crime and the mayor says it was despicable.

A resident flagged down a passing police officer about 7:10 a.m. Tuesday morning to report the vandalism in the Lakelands community. The city’s website says the vandals used white paint to deface the building with swastikas and other racist graffiti.

Images of both vandals wearing casual clothes were captured in a 2:47 a.m. surveillance video at the Main Street synagogue.

Gaithersburg Police spokesman Dan Lane told The Washington Post the pair wore masks — one resembled a skull and bones and the second was a Ghostface mask from the movie “Scream.”

Local Officials React

Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman condemned the act as despicable, and one that the community will not tolerate.

“The City of Gaithersburg stands by the congregation of Shaare Torah, and in so doing we stand for tolerance, understanding and dignity, principles that are at the very core of our community,” the mayor said in a statement.

Gaithersburg City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel, a member of the Shaare Torah congregation, said he is heartbroken by the vandalism in a community that is known for respecting and celebrating its diversity.

“The terrible acts of a few will not deter or weaken the resolve of the vast majority of our residents to continue celebrating and respecting our diversity and multiculturalism as great strengths,” Spiegel said in a statement. “Indeed, if anything, this incident will make us even stronger as we come together as a City to confront hate and diminish it through education and friendship.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police. Citizens may remain anonymous when they call the Gaithersburg Police Tip-Line at 301-330-4471 or may call the Public Safety Communications Center at 301-279-8000.

»Photos of Shaare Torah vandalism suspecst courtesy of City of Gaithersburg

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