Detectives from the county’s 3rd District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect or suspects in a series of hate-based vandalisms in several Silver Spring neighborhoods.
“The preliminary investigation has revealed that during the overnight hours of Tuesday, June 27, 2023, to Wednesday, June 28, 2023, several Pride and Ukrainian flags had been burned in the Mansfield Road, Wayne Place, Ellsworth Place, Greenbrier Drive, Pershing Drive and Deerfield Avenue neighborhoods,” according to a press release.
Investigators are asking that victims and/or homeowners to contact the department’s non-emergency number at 301.279.8000 if they have surveillance video of possible suspects.
In response to the reports of these incidents, the County Council issued a statement that read in part, “This disturbing spate of hate crimes and vandalism follows record high levels of hate and bias incidents in Montgomery County. In 2021, Montgomery County had 143 reported bias incidents, which was the highest number in nearly a decade. Then in 2022, that number climbed to 157. We must step up to combat these alarming incidents.
“In Montgomery County, we believe in inclusion, compassion and diversity. We stand together in forcefully denouncing acts of hate and violence in all forms, and we remain committed to protecting our LGBTQ+ neighbors and all those impacted from these awful acts. We must ensure everyone—including our LGBTQ+ community—is safe, seen and supported everywhere in Montgomery County.”
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