A swastika reportedly was found on the Pasadena Community Job Center on Aug. 12.
Lisa Derderian, a spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, told the local publication Pasadena Now that the word “monkey” also appeared to be written next to the swastika. The graffiti was found on the Pasadena Community Job Center’s window, the publication reported.
Police are investigating the matter as a hate crime.
Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek condemned the graffiti in a statement.
“Pasadena has largely been spared from the uptick in hate crimes, but when it does happen, we must condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” he said. “Our City’s strength is sustained by our diversity, so when one group is targeted we all suffer. We will not tolerate this behavior.”
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Los Angeles similarly stated in an Aug. 18 tweet, “ADL condemns this apparent swastika found on the Pasadena Job Center. We need to ensure that Pasadena and all communities are #NoPlaceforHate and no place for #antisemitism.”
ADL condemns this apparent swastika found on the Pasadena Job Center. We need to ensure that Pasadena and all communities are #NoPlaceforHate and no place for #antisemitism.https://t.co/1ipEdyYOph pic.twitter.com/aoHrV01FKH
— ADL Southern California (@ADLSoCal) August 18, 2020