Swastika, 'Racist' and 'Trump' Painted on Family's Cars

BURTONSVILLE, MD — In the most recent act of vandalism that used Nazi swastikas and derogatory words, a Burtonsville family found all three of its cars spray-painted with symbols Wednesday morning.

Montgomery County Police say the possible biased-based vandalism occurred at a home in the 3000 block of Spencerville Road. Detectives say the homeowner discovered that swastikas, the word “racist,” "Trump" and other derogatory words tied to the resident’s possible political affiliation were spray-painted multiple times on cars parked in the driveway.

The homeowner's political affiliation may be the motive for the vandalism, officers said.

“There was no Trump signs or paraphernalia prominently displayed in the yard, but detectives believe, based on their initial investigation, that the homeowner’s political affiliation was well known without the need for signs being posted,” Officer Rick Goodale with Montgomery County Police told WTOP.

The vandalism is the latest in a string of cases police are investigating that use swastikas or other hate speech.

Earlier this month, swastikas were drawn on the mirrors and walls of a boys' restroom in Westland Middle School in Bethesda. A $10,000 reward is offered for an arrest in the case.

In late October, images of swastikas and male genitalia were spray-painted above the entrance to a Bethesda school used by a Jewish congregation. Authorities are investigating what they called hate-based vandalism at Burning Tree Elementary School, 7900 Beech Tree Road in the Westlake area.

And the week before, 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.

Anyone with information about the Burtonsville vandalism is asked to call 240-773-6870.

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).

»Photos of Burtonsville vandalism, courtesy of Montgomery County Police