Bethesda ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign, twice vandalized, now stolen

WASHINGTON — The Black Lives Matter sign that has already been vandalized twice at a Bethesda, Maryland church now has been stolen.

“We think that’s a pretty powerful indicator of the fact that frankly racism is alive and well in this country and right here in Bethesda,” Nancy Ladd, the senior minister at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, tells FOX5.

At least two of the incidents may have been captured by a motion-activated surveillance camera.

“Investigators have leads and some evidence. They’re going to follow that evidence where it leads them,” Montgomery County Police Captain Paul Starks tells FOX5.

Church member Jana Kirkman says the vandalism won’t accomplish anything.

“That is not opening respectful dialogue; that is a criminal act,” Kirkman says.

The church plans to replace the banner.

WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report.

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