MA Synagogue, Home Vandalized In Racist Incidents: Police

TAUNTON, MA — Police are investigating incidents of racist vandalism at a home and synagogue in Taunton. Police responded to a report of vandalism at a home on Everett Street on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Officers arrived to find homophobic and racist graffiti spray-painted on a vehicle and recycling bin, according to a police statement.

While officers were investigating, the department received two more calls reporting additional vandalism.

Callers reported graffiti at the Congregation Agudath Achim of Greater Taunton, a Jewish synagogue located at 36 Winthrop St. Officers found a swastika and other hateful references spray-painted on the side of the synagogue.

The handwriting appeared similar to that found at the Everett Street home, according to police.

"Taunton will not stand for acts of hate and intolerance, and we will call out these malicious and hurtful acts wherever we see them," Police Chief Walsh said in a statement. "No resident of our community should be made to feel unsafe, unwelcome or intimidated because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other demographic classification. We will aggressively investigate these crimes and work with the district attorney to prosecute those responsible for these acts to the furthest extent of the law."

The Taunton Police Department has been in contact with leaders at the synagogue.

The investigation into both incidents remains ongoing.