3 Teens Charged Over Racist, Antisemitic Graffiti At Glenside’s Weldon Playground

GLENSIDE — Three juveniles have been charged after racist and antisemitic graffiti was spray-painted across Weldon Playground in the Glenside section of Abington Township, police announced Thursday, Oct. 8, the same evening community members and leaders gathered at the park to push back against the hate.

Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy said all three were charged with criminal mischief and two were also charged with ethnic intimidation. “I’m pleased to report that three juvenile suspects were identified and charged,” Molloy said at the rally, according to 6abc.

Because of their ages, police have not released the juveniles’ names or further details about the charges. NBC10 reported they are believed to be of high school age.

What Was Found

Police said they received a report of vandalism at the playground, on the 2200 block of Parkdale Avenue, on Saturday, Oct. 3. The park is known locally as the “Cheese” playground because of a sculpture that resembles Swiss cheese, The Philadelphia Inquirer noted.

“Officers discovered that suspects had spray-painted antisemitic and anti-Black remarks throughout the playground. The nature of the graffiti was particularly disturbing, as it targeted members of our community based on their race and religion,” the department said in a social media post. According to 6abc, the messages and symbols were painted on a plaque, a sign, playground equipment and the concrete in the parking lot.

The cleanup started almost immediately. Volunteers joined township and school district staff that Saturday morning to remove the paint, and dozens of neighbors showed up within hours, according to the Inquirer and NBC10.

“The Abington Township Police Department takes incidents involving hate and bias seriously,” the department said. “Acts of vandalism are unacceptable under any circumstances, and hateful messages targeting individuals or groups have no place in our community.”

Community Rally

Thursday night’s gathering, billed as “Abington United: Choose Unity, Reject Hate,” drew local clergy, school leaders and Pennsylvania first lady Lori Shapiro.

“This is what we’re about. People of all different backgrounds and beliefs coming together to support one another and show that hate has no place,” Shapiro said.

“These acts don’t just target individuals and groups; they tear at the very fabric of our public safety and sense of security,” Molloy said.

Marshall Mitchell, pastor of Salem Baptist Church, addressed whoever was responsible: “For the people who wrote these things, be clear, you have not dented our armor; you have polished our steel.”

Shameeka Browne, an Abington School Board director, said “the paint has been removed, but our work is far from finished,” and urged adults to model what it means to challenge discrimination. Michele Cooper, chair of the township’s Human Relations Commission, said the commission helps residents who believe they have experienced discrimination through education, mediation and outreach.

What Ethnic Intimidation Means

Under Pennsylvania law, ethnic intimidation is not a standalone act. It is a charge added when prosecutors allege another crime, such as criminal mischief, was committed with malicious intent toward a person or group’s race, color, religion or national origin. It raises the seriousness of the underlying offense by one grade.

Juvenile cases in Pennsylvania are generally handled in juvenile court with a focus on supervision and rehabilitation. Police said the teens could face consequences including probation, community service and educational courses, 6abc reported.

The juveniles are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Sources: 6abc (Briana Smith); NBC10 (David Charns); CBS News Philadelphia (Alicia Roberts); The Philadelphia Inquirer; Glenside Local.

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