County Executive Marc Elrich has released a statement on the hateful vandalism found near the Bethesda Trolley Trail this weekend. The full statement can be seen below:
“I am saddened, upset, and, quite frankly, disgusted over the racist vandalism that occurred near the Bethesda Trolley Trail this weekend. This incident follows other recent attacks of vandalism and hate throughout the County over the last several months. Trying to intimidate others through fear will not succeed and will not be tolerated. I encourage anyone with any knowledge or information about this vandalism to contact the Montgomery County Police Department as soon as possible. Hate has no home in Montgomery County, and we will be investigating and prosecuting those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.
As we have in the past, we will organize, unite, and fight back against xenophobic behavior. The Montgomery County government will be working with the impacted community and organizations. We will continue to support all efforts, to bring peace, inclusion, and respect to all of our ethnic, racial, and faith communities in wake of this attempt to spread hate in our County.”
Maryland State Delegate Ariana Kelly shared a tweet with a modified version of some of the vandalism on Sunday morning.
HATE HAS NO PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I have heard from a number of constituents this AM about white nationalist vandalism along the Bethesda Trolley Trail. I’m sharing a modified image below. Police are involved. pic.twitter.com/rbPmSOrSkX
— Ariana Kelly (@SenArianaKelly) August 7, 2022