News Releases

Montgomery County Police Investigating Anti-Semitic Vandalism at Bethesda Elementary School

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 12, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD – The Montgomery County Department of Police is actively investigating an incident of vandalism that occurred at Bethesda Elementary School, located in the 7600 block of Arlington Road.

On Sunday, August 11, 2024, at approximately 7:14 a.m., officers from the 2nd District were dispatched to the school following reports of anti-Semitic graffiti.

Unknown suspects spray-painted anti-Semitic phrases in the parking lot area of the school and on a nearby building in the 4900 block of Del Ray Avenue. Currently, there are no suspect descriptions available.

MCPD is investigating this incident, which has been classified as a bias-related crime. Officers are canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage from the neighborhood in an effort to identify those responsible.

Montgomery County Police take incidents like this very seriously and is working closely with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to ensure the safety and security of the community.

The graffiti was removed by Bethesda Urban Partnership, MCPS, and volunteers.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477.Tips with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward from $250 up to $10,000. Tips may remain anonymous.

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Release ID: 24-361
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: hate-crime