Arlington Police Investigate Swastikas Painted on Family Garage

Photo Credit: WHDH, 7-News

ARLINGTON, MA—The Arlington Police Department and Arlington Human Rights Commission issued a joint statement detailing concerns of "intolerance and hate" incidents around town Monday.

Recently, Police have found swastikas which were spray-painted on a black family's garage door "just a few days ago." There were also two separate incidents of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti at Ottoson Middle School; the vandalism of a Black Lives Matter banner at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church; and an unsolicited mailing of KKK material to someone's home.

"As members of the Arlington community, we offer our unconditional support and solidarity to anyone who has been a victim of racism or anti-Semitism," the statement wrote."We are greatly disturbed by these recent events, and we assure you that we will not tolerate hateful acts in our town."

Police asked residents to report any acts of discrimination, intimidation, or other hate crime, please report it to APD (781-643-1212) and/or AHRC (781-316-3250, ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us).

"APD and AHRC are committed to creating an atmosphere where everyone in Arlington feels safe and supported," the statement wrote. "All of us function best when living without fear of violence, discrimination, exclusion, or humiliation. Our children, families, businesses, and the community as a whole are hurt by hateful acts against anyone based on race, color, religious views, national origin, sex, gender identity, citizenship, age, ancestry, family/marital status, sexual orientation, disability, source of income or military status."