Pennsylvania elementary school building, playground vandalized with swastikas, police say
Police in a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania township are searching for at least two suspects who allegedly vandalized an elementary school and playground with swastikas and other vulgar words over the weekend.
The Upper Moreland Police Department said two people driving in a red sedan were caught on camera going into the Upper Moreland Elementary School parking lot from Byberry Road at around 11:50 p.m. Saturday.
The sedan drove to the back of the school where the suspects allegedly spray-painted the building and playground with swastikas and other vulgar words and drawings, police said. The sedan was seen leaving the school parking lot twenty minutes later, around 12:10 a.m. Sunday.
Investigators point out that the sedan has an upper third brake light.
State Sen. Maria Collett, who represents Upper Moreland Township, said the vandalism isn't just an attack on the elementary school but the community's values.
"While individuals may have a constitutional right to hold even the most repugnant beliefs, vandalism — especially vandalism in this form — is not just illegal, but a hate crime. I trust in our local law enforcement to find those responsible and expect the perpetrators to be prosecuted accordingly.
The rise of fascist sympathies, authoritarian tendencies, and open expressions of hate in our society is deeply disturbing and rocks our identity as a beacon for freedom and democracy. There is right, and there is wrong. Let us be unequivocal: support for Nazism has been, is today, and will forever be wrong and fundamentally anti-American."
Collett said she will continue to support and stand with the Upper Moreland School District, the Jewish community and anyone targeted by hate.
A spokesperson for the Upper Moreland School District said it's fully cooperating with the police department's investigation.
Upper Moreland police are asking anyone who knows anything about the red sedan and the suspects to call 215-657-4700 or email Detective Davido at mdavido@uppermoreland.org
