WASHINGTON — Montgomery County, Maryland, is seeing an increase in hate-based crimes, and the county’s top cop is calling for them to stop.
“Each one of these cases represents a victim and community that has been harmed,” Tom Manger, Montgomery County police chief, said in a video posted on Twitter Thursday.
From racist graffiti to acts of violence, the county has investigated 62 hate crimes and bias incidents this year, a number that is up 17 percent from the past year.
“Many of these cowardly acts are committed under the cover of darkness when no one is watching,” Manger said.
The chief said a number of the cases are taking place at schools in the county. He said both the police department and the school system are committed to investigating and bringing those behind the acts to justice. Earlier this week, Montgomery County’s public schools chief said there had been a “surge” in racist vandalism at school in recent years.
Manger said these crimes leave victims traumatized, angry and scared. Other victims feel powerless and vulnerable, he said.
“That’s why it’s so important to demonstrate our care for these victims while we defend these crimes,” Manger said.
The actual number of hate-fueled crimes may be unknown, since many cases go unreported, according to the chief.
“Hate is unacceptable, these acts are crimes against all of us and they will no be tolerated,” Manger said.
Hate crimes are also up across the state, according to Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh. The state of Maryland has setup a phone number where incidents can be reported.
The hotline number is 1-866-481-8361.
Watch Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger’s full message below.
