Denver, CO, April 3, 2019 … The Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region, responding to reports of vandalism at Church in the City-Beth Abraham in Denver, condemned the incidents and applauded law enforcement for investigating the incidents as possible hate crimes.

According to the Denver Police Department, two swastikas were spray painted Tuesday on the exterior of the building at 1580 Gaylord Street. Police responded Wednesday morning to reports of an individual causing physical damage to the interior of the building. Police arrested the individual and have charged the suspect with criminal mischief, assault on an officer and a bias-motivated crime. The incidents remain under investigation, including whether the two cases of vandalism are connected.

ADL Mountain States Regional Director Scott Levin issued the following statement:

We are deeply saddened by the vandalism at Church in the City-Beth Abraham. All people deserve to worship in peace and safety, free from any attempt to intimidate them or prevent them from practicing their faith. We commend the Denver Police Department for investigating the incidents as potential hate crimes.

Several news sources have reported the story, including CBS News 4 Denver, the Forward, the Denver Post and the Denver Channel/7 News.

The building that houses Church in the City-Beth Abraham was originally constructed as a synagogue in the early 20^th century.

ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. ADL’s Mountain States Region covers Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. More at https://mountainstates.adl.org/.