Authorities say they have filed hate crime charges against two brothers in connection with vandalism at a church in Maryland.
Officials say 19-year-old brothers Blake and Brandon Krenzer of Gambrills allegedly vandalized Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ Pride signs at the Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church in Odenton on June 13.
Officers responded to the Odenton church on the morning of June 14, where they found two vandalized signs.
An investigation revealed the vandalism had happened around 10 p.m. the previous evening. One of the suspects can be seen wearing what appears to be a confederate flag face wrap.
Police said the brothers were identified with the help of the public.
“Within 30 minutes of posting surveillance images on our social media, several community members came forward with tips that led to arrests in those cases,” Deputy Police Chief Katie Roberts said. “These are amazing examples of community policing.”
“Let me be very clear: There is no place for hate in our county. We will not tolerate hate of any kind toward our places of worship or any individuals in this county,” Anne Arundel County Deputy Police Chief Katherine Roberts said.
“Any perpetrators who think that a house of worship is a place to express their hate should learn from this that they will track you down and we will prosecute,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman.