For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan:
I am outraged and saddened, as every resident of Montgomery County should be, at the recent spate of hate crimes perpetrated against two African American churches and two schools in the upcounty area and at several Hanukkah displays in Gaithersburg and Rockville. I want to make it perfectly clear that we do not consider any of these incidences pranks, or random acts of vandalism. They are hate crimes and the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Montgomery County is an inclusive community that draws strength from its cultural and racial differences, and we will not tolerate acts of hate carried out against our neighbors. These crimes are being taken very seriously and are being investigated with a great sense of urgency. We will use every available resource to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
County Council President George Leventhal:
The hate crimes that have occurred in the past month are despicable and criminal and we will not tolerate these hateful acts in Montgomery County. These acts of hate are hurtful, not only to the victims, but to the entire community. This type of criminal activity will not be tolerated in our community.
I join County Executive Doug Duncan in stressing that these crimes will be investigated and treated as hate crimes and that the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
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06-003
Release ID: 06-007
Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield 240-777-7939