A Swastika Was Painted on the Wall of a California Church That Welcomes LGBT Worshippers. The Sheriff’s Office Isn’t Investigating It as a Hate Crime

In the second half of October, someone painted a swastika on a wall of Temecula United Methodist Church in California. The congregation openly welcomes LGBT worshippers and also had its rainbow flags stolen several times. Patch reported that the incidents followed a local Pride event held on church grounds on October 17.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the thefts and vandalism. On November 9, LGBTQ Nation reported, citing NBC Los Angeles, that the office was currently not investigating the incidents as a hate crime. Pastor Drew Davis believes the congregation may have been targeted because it hosts LGBT events.

Davis told CBS Los Angeles that the congregation wants to paint a mural about peace on the wall where the swastika appeared. The church also plans to hold a name-reading ceremony on November 19 in memory of transgender people who have died.