On Friday morning at about 2 a.m., Fifth District Metropolitan Police District (MPD) officers were called to the front of Shalom Tire and Auto Repair (1021 Brentwood Rd. NE) to investigate Anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on the sidewalk in the area.
Police canvassed the area and found the phrase “I Want Jexit” spray-painted in yellow on the sidewalk in front of 1021 Brentwood Rd. NE and 945 Brentwood Rd. NE.
MPD said they have been investigating several incidents of similar graffiti over the past month, all stating “I want Jexit.” Officers have been discussing the issue with national leaders on hate crimes, such as the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center, as well as local leaders in the Jewish community.
“At this time, there is no consensus on what it means, or whether it is motivated by hate,” said a statement from MPD press spokesperson.
“We recognize that regardless of the meaning of the graffiti or the intent of the offender, it is causing concern in the community and there is a perception that it may be anti-Semitic,” continued the statement. “MPD wants to reassure the community that we and the Bowser Administration are taking this very seriously.”
MPD said that the Mayor’s Director of Religious Affairs, and DC Director of Human Rights Monica Palacio, are speaking with members of the community. The investigation is ongoing, and police ask that anyone with information about the graffiti contact them at 202-727-9099. You can also anonymously text MPD on the Text Tip Line at 50411.
