Cars vandalized with swastikas, homophobic slurs, anti-Arab statements in “disgusting” crime

Last Thursday, cars in El Cajon, California were vandalized with swastikas, homophobic slurs, and anti-Arab sentiment, KVIA reports.

One resident, who is only known by the name Taiyler, out of fear of retribution, saw one of the cars as she was driving down the street. The car was not far from her own home.

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“It’s so needed,” one homeless housing advocate said. “This will be able to create the safe space for them to thrive.”

“I was driving down Greenfield [Drive] and I saw this car,” she said. “It made me say what? It was very clear that it was a swastika. It’s sad.”

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Another car 50 yards away from the last one was also vandalized, and an additional five more were photographed by residents.

The mother of a woman who owns one of the cars, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said that she reported the vandalism to the police.

The police department is investigating the acts of vandalism, but it has no leads yet. They’re seeking out residents who might have surveillance footage.

“We’ve never really even seen anything like this before,” said El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, emphasizing that the city is a welcoming place. “This is not what you want to see in our community or in any community. And it’s really not indicative of El Cajon.”

Not everyone agrees, however.

Taiyler said, “This is not shocking in any way whatsoever. It’s just disturbing and disgusting, but not shocking.”

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