Annandale Park desecrated with anti-Semitic graffiti

Americana Park in Annandale was desecrated by vandals at
some point on April 8 who drew large swastikas and extremely offensive anti-Semitic
slogans on the kiosk, pavement, signs, and Little River Turnpike overpass. They also smashed
the glass on a kiosk with a rock.

The photo published here—and others showing much more hateful graffiti—were taken April 9 by a member of Friends of Accotink Creek.

Capt. Kathleen Sefchick, West Springfield police commander, said police are investigating this as “a bias incident.” She isn’t aware of any other recent similar incidents.

Lindsey Smith, a senior aide to Braddock Supervisor John Cook, said a constituent called to report the graffiti yesterday morning. Smith
notified the Fairfax County Park Authority, although he was unaware of the extent
of the damage until he saw the photos. “This is much more horrible than I
thought. This is just reprehensible,” he said.

Alan Crofford, of the park operations division in the Fairfax County Park Authority, sent a crew to the site this morning to clean it up. They took pictures of the graffiti before removing it.

At that time it wasn’t clear if the police had already been there. The Park Authority felt it needed to be taken down right
away due to the offensive nature of the graffiti, rather than wait for police
to conduct an investigation to identify the perpetrator. “Based on past experience,
photos are sufficient,” said parks spokesperson Judy
Pedersen.

Cook released the following statement in response to what he calls
the “disturbing anti-Semitic graffiti at Americana Park: The county is
committed to searching for the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Such
actions have no place in our community. We must continue our work to ensure
that all residents enjoy the safe, respectful Annandale that I know. I commend the Fairfax County Park Authority
for its quick work restoring the park to a welcoming place for families.”

Crofford said he hasn’t seen a particular emphasis on anti-Semitic
graffiti in county parks, although there have been gang graffiti and other
types of vandalism.

There were 14 graffiti incidents in Fairfax County parks so
far in fiscal year 2014, Pedersen reports. That compares to 17 in 2013, 15 in
2012, and 29 in 2011. The worst year was 2009, when there were 62 graffiti
incidents. “Nine times out of 10, they are gang related,” she said.

“There’s a wide gamut of bad behavior. It costs taxpayers
money,” said Pedersen, who cited incidents of people cutting down trees and
driving on fields. “It’s all offensive,” she said. 

Anyone with
information about who might have vandalized Americana Park is asked to contact Crime Solvers by calling 866-411-TIPS/8477 or
texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County
Police at 703-691-2131.