Vandalism At Marin County School Investigated As Hate Crime: Police

SAN ANSELMO, CA — Images and writings police described as anti-Semitic were found scrawled on the asphalt at a San Anselmo elementary school, prompting a hate-crime investigation and a search for whoever was responsible.

Central Marin Police Authority officers responded to Brookside Elementary School around 8:30 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report of the vandalism near the school's multi-purpose room.

“The Central Marin Police Authority unequivocally condemns hate crimes and hate speech in our communities,” police said. “There is no place for hatred, intimidation, or violence based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic.”

Officers documented and photographed the images and writing. Police classified the incident as a hate crime under California law because of the nature of the material and the damage and defacement to the asphalt.

The vandalism was removed by school officials later Saturday night.

Police said the vandalism occurred sometime after school Friday and before officers were called Saturday night. No suspects have been identified.

This is the third time antisemitic graffiti has been discovered at the elementary school, officials said.

Detective Josh Hamilton is investigating the case.

Anyone with information that could help identify those responsible is asked to call the Central Marin Police Authority at 415-927-5150.

The agency said it is working with community members and school officials as the investigation continues.