Police in Delaware responded to an incident Friday after receiving reports that a weed killer or a similar chemical agent was used to burn “Trump” into the lawn of a home that featured a Biden campaign poster and Black Lives Matter flag, according to the Cape Gazette.
The incident is being investigated by the Delaware State Police (DSP), but not as a hate crime, according to a statement released by the department.
“DSP detectives are currently running down active leads with this investigation. A witness canvass was initiated when the complaint was made known to us, and I understand that is continuing,” spokesman Sgt. Darren Lester told the Gazette. “DSP will follow up on and investigate any and all suspect leads this investigation produces. The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time as we continue to work hard to solve this case.”
Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice Chair Charlotte King, a Black woman and one of the residents of the vandalized home located in the Wolfe Pointe community outside of Lewes, Del., likened the incident to “today’s version of a cross burning.” She said she doesn’t know who carried out the display, but believes it was a personal attack.
“It’s definitely targeted,” she said. “We have an inconspicuous house in the back of this community. You have to know where you’re going to find us.”
Lewes Mayor Ted Becker referred to the event as an “awful thing that happened,” saying, “it doesn’t represent the spirit in which we try to live.”