Vandals may have targeted a Baltimore County church over its acceptance of people who are gay and lesbian, police said.
The vandalism happened last week at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in the 1900 block of Edmondson Avenue.
Police are investigating the incident as a bias-related crime, commonly known as a hate crime.
Police found smashed windows, file cabinets opened and furniture and other items broken and strewn about. A fire extinguisher had been used to spray throughout the church, damaging items including church pew cushions.
The church's pastor told police she believes the church has been victimized before because of its inclusion of people who are gay and lesbian.
Police said they have responded to a previous incident involving the theft of a unity flag from the church.
In the music room, various inflammatory phrases were written on a dry erase board.
Police believe the crime occurred some time between 7:30 p.m. on June 29 and 9:40 a.m. on June 30.
Anyone with information about this crime should call police at 410-307-2020.
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