Swastikas, Male Genitals Marked on Bethesda School Used by Jewish Congregation

BETHESDA, MD — Images of Nazi swastikas and male genitalia were spray-painted above the entrance to a Bethesda school used by a Jewish congregation, according to Montgomery County Police. Authorities are investigating what they called hate-based vandalism at Burning Tree Elementary School, 7900 Beech Tree Road in the Westlake area of Bethesda.

Police were called to the elementary school about 10 a.m. Sunday for the report of a vandalism to the school. A Jewish congregation holds weekly services at the school, and a congregant who was attending a service that morning discovered the images of swastikas painted on a Burning Tree Elementary School banner displayed near the school entrance.

Just last week, police said similar symbols were marked on the grass of the Quince Orchard High School football field, 15800 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg. Investigators have called the Oct. 13 incident, which used some sort of a caustic substance to deface the field surface with a swastika and male genitalia, a hate crime.

Police asked for the public’s help in identifying the driver and/or owner of the vehicle caught on camera at the high school. The school resource officer reviewed the school’s surveillance system and noted that shortly after midnight on Oct. 13, the suspect vehicle was seen driving into the school parking lot. After the vehicle parked, a car door opened; a short time later, the car can be seen leaving the school parking lot.

Anyone with information about the Bethesda vandalism or the suspect(s) is asked to call police at 240-773-6710.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s). Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).