Security camera captures man in swastika outside Beverly Hills Elementary School
Police are looking for a man who attracted a magician outside Beverly Hills Elementary School on Monday, marking the beginning of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah.
Beverly Hills Unified School District announced that the hate symbol was found outside El Rodeo School and was attracted by a man arrested on the sidewalk.
Swastika was deleted and police investigations are underway.
“This symbol of hatred is just a few steps away from students, employees and families reaching campuses where they learn and feel safe. Reflectionism is not abstract, it is real, and it continues to emerge in ways designed to intimidate. We want to be clear: hatred is acceptable for any type,” the district said in a statement. “Most of all, we remain committed to making sure every student feels safe, seen and supported every day.”
“Every student should go to school without fear,” police officer Alex Cherniss said in a statement. “When hatred damages our community, our area will act with transparency, responsibility and care. Your safety is our top priority.”
The district said in recent years, its urgent training and how it responds to threats have improved security and surveillance across campus.
The Beverly Hills Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Surveillance footage provided by the school district captured a man wearing a hat, bent over with a white T-shirt and drew symbols on the ground.
The event came during the Jewish High Holy Day, which began on Monday with Rosh Hashanah and will extend to Yom Kippur on October 1. The Los Angeles Police Department has added police patrols around Jewish chapels and community centers to ensure the community is protected from any anti-Semitism.
