(WWJ/AP) Police are investigating after several headstones at a Jewish cemetery in Grand Rapids were spray-painted with "TRUMP" and "MAGA" before President Donald Trump held his final campaign rally in the western Michigan city.
Grand Rapids police spokesman Sgt. John Wittkowski said officers found six headstones spray-painted with "relatively new" red paint on Monday.
"TRUMP" was spray-painted on the back of four headstones, and "MAGA" was spray-painted on two others.
The vandalized graves were discovered at the Ahavas Israel Cemetery hours before Trump visited Grand Rapids late Monday in his final campaign rally before Election Day.
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Various people and groups have denounced the vandalism, reacting to the news on social media.
Sharing a photo of the defaced headstones, Lisa M. Rose wrote:
"This is vandalism that occurred Sunday in one of our Jewish community’s cemeteries. Of course, it’s worth mentioning the cemetery resides in one of the Country’s most conservative Christian communities and occurred only two days before the Presidential election. The vandalism is under investigation to determine its status of hate crimes.
"Regardless of political affiliation, intimidation of ANY minority religious groups in Grand Rapids is simply unacceptable. Please denounce this behavior - vocally. Our Jewish community needs its allies and we call on you- I call on you- to speak up and out against hate and Anti-Sémitismes."
The Michigan branch of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said it was "appalled by the reported desecration," and is in close touch with the Jewish community and law enforcement as the investigation continues.
No suspects have been named or described.
Anyone with information can call Grand Rapids police at 616-456-3400, or send information to police via an online form at this link.
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