Arson At Hanover Cemetery Identified as Hate Crime

HANOVER, MD – On Saturday, at about 1:30 PM, officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Department alongside a Fire Marshal’s office investigator, responded to an arson incident at Saints Rest Cemetery, 7310 Ridge Road, Hanover.

Saint Mark United Methodist Church manages the cemetery and predominantly serves the African-American community.

An unknown perpetrator set fire to a cemetery sign, causing significant damage. The incident is suspected to be a targeted hate crime. In coordination with the Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Western District detectives are actively investigating.

The AACPD encourages anyone with relevant information to contact them or the Police Tip Line for anonymous reporting.