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Richmond neighbors concerned about swastikas painted around community

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RICHMOND, Ind. – Several people in Richmond, Indiana found painted swastikas around their community last weekend, and they’re hoping the person responsible is caught by police.

Neighbor Holly Butler said she and her husband Sean saw the symbols at the corner of Northwest 2nd and Northwest I streets.

“It's a little bit different when it’s on your street. That makes it a little more personal,” said Sean, who helped remove the graffiti. “We were able to remove them before the end of the day…it took several hours. This is a symbol of racism and hatred and it has no place in our community.”

Before removing the graffiti, Sean posted a photo of the swastikas on Facebook to find out if similar instances had occurred nearby. Unfortunately, there were more cases.

At least two more symbols were painted under a bridge just a few blocks from the Butler’s home. A nearby auto parts store was also vandalized.

Steve Carpenter, a father of young children, said he also saw the swastikas while driving by.

“I teach them to love everyone equally, because we're all equal,” said Carpenter.

Sean said he contacted police and hopes the suspect is caught. 

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