Police investigating multiple incidents of “hateful vandalism” in Bristol County

TAUNTON — Chief Edward J. Walsh reports that the Taunton Police Department is investigating hateful vandalism that occurred on Everett Street this weekend.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, Taunton Police were dispatched to a home on Everett Street for a report of vandalism. Upon arrival, officers discovered homophobic and racist graffiti spray-painted on a vehicle and recycling bin.

As officers were at the home investigating, the department received two more calls reporting additional vandalism that was found.

The callers reported graffiti at the Congregation Agudath Achim of Greater Taunton, a Jewish synagogue located at 36 Winthrop St. While investigating these reports, officers discovered a swastika and other hateful references spray-painted on the side of the synagogue. The handwriting appeared similar to that found at the Everett Street home.

“Taunton will not stand for acts of hate and intolerance, and we will call out these malicious and hurtful acts wherever we see them,” Chief Walsh said. “No resident of our community should be made to feel unsafe, unwelcome or intimidated because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other demographic classification. We will aggressively investigate these crimes and work with the district attorney to prosecute those responsible for these acts to the furthest extent of the law.”

The Taunton Police Department has since been in contact with leaders at the synagogue and the investigation is ongoing.