Reward grows as police hunt suspects in hate vandalism at walt whitman high school

GAITHERSBURG, MD – Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying several suspects wanted in connection with a hate-fueled vandalism incident at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, where anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian graffiti was spray painted on the school’s exterior early Friday morning.

According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, an officer assigned to the school discovered the graffiti around 2:31 a.m. on January 16 after being notified by staff. Surveillance footage later showed several individuals running away from the building toward the football field, though police said no clear description of the suspects is available.

The vandalism, which targeted the Muslim community, was quickly covered with paint as a temporary fix and will require professional removal. Detectives from the department’s investigative unit are handling the case as a hate/bias incident.

In response to the crime, the Victims’ Rights Foundation has offered an additional $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact the Montgomery County Department of Police.

Police are seeking suspects after anti-Muslim graffiti was spray painted on Bethesda’s Walt Whitman High School.

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