Issaquah police are investigating two separate incidents of graffiti that included antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ content. Authorities released surveillance images of the suspects and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Issaquah police are searching for suspects involved in two separate incidents of graffiti that included antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ content last month. Authorities released surveillance images of the suspects believed to be linked to hateful messages and symbols near the 4th Avenue overpass and on a trail wall. One resident, Benjamin Powell, described one of the symbols as a swastika. 'One was a swastika that seems to keep coming back,' he said.
'I was kind of disgusted with it when I first saw it.' Police reported that the crimes occurred on the nights of January 1 and January 22 around 10 p.m. Officials with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of the Pacific Northwest noted that these incidents are part of a recent alarming pattern in the area, which includes flyers and stickers posted at a local business and around town. Miri Cypers with the ADL said, 'In addition to some graffiti we know about in the community, we also learned about hateful literature distribution that was targeting a local teen café in Issaquah. We recognize the pattern of language and images on the flyers that were posted there to be from a specific, very antisemitic hate group that has a presence in the Pacific Northwest but is also active nationwide.' Dean Santis, who saw some of the flyers on a walking trail in town, expressed his concern. 'It’s really unfortunate to see that happening in the community,' he said. 'While you want to permit freedom of speech, you can’t permit hate speech.' Santis added, 'It was super antisemitic, had some pretty strongly worded opinions on people that were Jewish. I think it’s extra important maybe to understand the meaning of it and understand the current climate of why something like that would be really impactful to a community.' As police continue their search for the suspects, ADL officials emphasize the importance of speaking out against hate and engaging in meaningful conversations about bias. Cypers said, 'I do think it’s really important for people to feel comfortable speaking out and calling it for what it is. Antisemitism and hate don’t have a place in Issaquah, and we know there are so many good people in the community who don’t want that to define their neighborhoods.' Cypers added, 'I do think reaching out and speaking out is really important and ensuring people are having real conversations about why this kind of bias is becoming more widespread and how people can make it clear there’s a line in the sand, and this kind of behavior is not acceptable.' Police have not shared if they believe both the graffiti incidents are related to the same suspects. They're urging anyone with information to please contact Issaquah Police at 425-837-3200 or leave an anonymous tip at 425-837-3210
Issaquah Police Graffiti Antisemitism Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crime Pacific Northwest Anti-Defamation League
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