Police are investigating the vandalism, burning and removal of LGBTQ+ Pride flags, a Black Trans Lives Matter flag and Ukrainian flags in Silver Spring.
MCPD describes the incidents as “multiple hate-based vandalisms.” According to a press release, during the overnight hours of Tuesday, June 27 and Wednesday, June 28, several Pride and Ukrainian flags had been burned in the Mansfield Road, Wayne Place, Ellsworth Place, Greenbrier Drive, Pershing Drive and Deerfield Drive neighborhoods.
During County Executive Marc Elrich’s weekly briefing on Tuesday, he stated that 8-10 items were damaged.
“I just think you know people have got to be conscious that you cannot have exceptions to who you tolerate based on religion or sexual preference or race, any of those things, because the moment you allow an exception, it’s a slippery slope to letting somebody else say I want to I think I should have an exception for not tolerating some other group. This country’s got a long ugly history of intolerance, particularly in racial matters.”
Council President Evan Glass tweeted about the findings, writing he and his husband live in one of these neighborhoods. He added, as the first openly LGBTQ+ councilmember, he is sickened by these acts of terror.
“I am deeply disturbed that the community I call home has been targeted by dangerous acts of hate and vandalism,” Glass wrote in a tweet and statement to Montgomery Community Media. “Like communities across the nation, we are seeing alarming rises in hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community, communities of color and other vulnerable residents.”
Earlier today MCPD received reports of Pride flags, Ukrainian flags and inclusive lawn signs in Silver Spring being desecrated.
My husband and I live in this neighborhood. As the first openly LGBTQ+ councilmember, I am sickened by these acts of terror.
This is personal.
— Councilmember Evan Glass (@CMEvanGlass) June 28, 2023
Councilmember Kate Stewart also tweeted about the discovery of these damaged signs and flags writing, “this hate has no place in our community. We will continue working with the police and community.”
“This disturbing spate of hate crimes and vandalism follows record high levels of hate and bias incidents in Montgomery County,” wrote the council in a statement. “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.”
This incident happened just a day after the council voted to unanimously establish an Anti-Hate Task Force. The Task Force would be made up of community and faith leaders. It will work to create policies and recommendations that promote safety and combat hate crimes.
Police are asking anyone with surveillance video in the affected neighborhoods to call 301-279-8000. Anyone with information can remain anonymous and call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects.
