Police are investigating vandalism at a Masonic Temple in Fort Collins as a hate crime.
Officers were called out to the fraternal organization’s building in the 200 block of Oak Street at about noon on Monday to investigate graffiti spray painted on the steps and pillars.
“The black spray paint depicts upside-down crosses and the phrase ‘great tribulation is at hand,’ ” police said in a news release noting that the vandalism likely occurred between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Because of the location and nature of the graffiti, police say the vandalism is being investigated as a bias-motivated crime.
“Defacing religious or cultural gathering places is a particularly appalling act,” police Chief John Hutto said in a written statement. “We need those with information to step up so the perpetrator can face consequences.”
Help us identify the suspect(s) responsible for vandalizing the Fort Collins Masonic Temple:
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice)
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact Officer Ben Athearn at 970-221-6555 or at bathearn@fcgov.com. Tipsters, who can remain anonymous, can also ring Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868.
Late last month, police arrested on suspicion of breaking glass doors and .
Joseph Giaquinto in that incident.
Court documents show Giaquinto admitted to the crime, which drew condemnation from U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Boulder, and anti-hate groups, including the Council on American–Islamic Relations.
