A Northern Virginia community is coming together after being hit by hate.
Over the weekend, members of a youth group at Burke Presbyterian Church made a sign that reads, “You are loved” days after racist graffiti appeared on fencing feet from the house of worship.
“You can’t just let silence or a shrug be your only response…” said Becca Messman, a pastor at the church. “There’s not any community that’s not affected by something.”
Messman said she’s proud of the way these young people are pushing back.
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“For them to take the simplest tools that they had, they are artistic, they are creative…” she said. “I think for adults that means there is no excuse in not doing anything. The tools are right there.”
Last week, several community members were forced to clean up after racist and antisemitic graffiti appeared at dozens of locations around Burke.
Now, a 16-year-old from Fairfax County is facing several charges for the vandalism and destruction of property
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“Some of it was random, just words, pictures,” said Fairfax County Police Department Deputy Chief Gregory Fried. “Some of it was bias-related, certainly highly offensive, but at this time we don’t believe that that was his intention.”
Fairfax County police released body camera video. They say that the teen destroyed property at more than 35 locations within the span of a few hours, and according to police, when officers caught him red handed, he eventually confessed.
“The officers were able to notice spray paint on his hands, he was carrying a bag, he was detained…” Fried said. “They located spray paint cans in his bag and a hammer.”
At last update, investigators said they believe the targets were random. Investigators said it looks like that teen acted alone and there may be more victims out there. Anyone who knows information that could help is being asked to call Fairfax County police.
In the days since, local and religious leaders have come together in solidarity with a clear message:
“If one person can make a negative impression, look how many people can make a message of love,” Messman said. “It felt really powerful, it felt safe, it felt really strong.”
