News (USA)

A man went on an anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism rampage. Now he’s facing hate crime charges.

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A 25-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with hate crimes, destruction of a place of worship, and multiple other vandalism charges in connection with the defacement of Pride displays in the city of Salem two weeks ago.

Mohammed Saeed Rajab was arrested by Salem Police after an investigation into the graffiti, which was found throughout the historic Massachusetts town on September 13.

Rajab targeted the Tabernacle Congregational Church, Pride flags at a local animal shelter and public park, and several rainbow-painted crosswalks, according to the Essex District Attorney’s office.

Graffiti on rainbow-painted doors at the “open and affirming” church read “Cancel LGBTQ 2024.”

Rajab pleaded not guilty to the charges at an arraignment in Salem District Court on Wednesday, according to The Boston Globe, where he was ordered held on $2,500 bond by the judge and to surrender his passport.

The Beverly, Massachusetts resident was also ordered to stay away from Salem, abide by a GPS curfew, and not possess firearms or any dangerous weapons.

He’s due back in court on October 11 for a pretrial hearing.

Officials denounced the vandalism, including Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, who said the vandalism and hateful motives behind it were “contrary to who we are and to our city’s values.” Pangallo said he stood with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Tabernacle Congregational Church released a statement that read, “This hateful act will not deter us from proclaiming God’s love to all people. The doors will be repainted and back up declaring what we believe: ‘Love Wins.’”

Animal shelter MSPCA Angell was defiant in their support for the LGBTQ+ community after the attack in a post to Instagram.

“We are heartbroken to say the least, and we will never be intimidated into silence by acts of hate here in Massachusetts or anywhere else. The pride flag will continue to hang at all of our locations to show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Rajab is charged with hate crimes “as the vandalism had been determined to be motivated by bias,” the Salem Police Department said in a statement.

Following his arrest, Salem Chief Lucas Miller praised investigators.

“We have made this investigation our highest priority,” Miller said. “I realize that this arrest does not erase the harm caused by Mr. Rajab, but I hope that it shows the commitment that the Salem Police Department has to our friends, our neighbors, and our colleagues in the LGBTQ community.”

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