Students from Bothell High School (BHS) have been identified as the primary suspects in the rash of hate-filled vandalism that hit the area in February.
The Bothell Police Department’s resource officer assigned to BHS found the leads based off interviews with students. Three students, all of whom are minors, have been identified as suspects of the vandalism.
The vandalism in question occurred on Feb. 15, and targeted the Bothell Hindu Temple and Cultural Center and also two buildings at Skyview Junior High School. All the vandalism exhibited a swastika along with one of the following phrases: “Get out,” “Muslims get out” and “Muslims be gone.”
“We don’t believe these actions are reflective of our districts values or culture and appropriate actions will be taken after the investigations have concluded,” said Leanna Albrecht, Northshore School District communications liaison. “We have been in cooperation in supporting the police’s active investigation”
In initial contact with the suspects, two declined to be interviewed by police while the third admitted to being involved in the vandalism.
“The district has a strong partnership with Bothell Police Department through the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which has supported the police’s active investigation of the vandalism at the Hindu temple and Skyview Junior High School in February,” said the Northshore School District in a statement issued Mar. 18. “We take great pride in fostering a safe, nurturing learning environment that values and honors diversity and inclusivity. While these offensive messages do not reflect the values or culture of our school district or Bothell High School, this incident represents an opportunity to continue to develop a greater understanding of the diversity across our community.”
While there have been calls from the community to have the case investigated has hate speech, along with a much stiffer punishment associated with hate crimes, authorities have been investigating the case as Malicious Harassment, not hate speech.
Malicious harassment is a Class C felony, with a maximum punishment of up to five years in a state correctional facility, a fine of no less than $10,000 or both, depending on what the court finds acceptable. Victims of malicious harassment may also seek further protections or remedies under the law.
It is currently unknown what punishments the students will get, however the school district has completed faith in the authorities and the court system, should charges be pressed.
The case is being investigated by Snohomish County Sheriff’s office and the Bothell Police Department with full cooperation from the Northshore School District.
The case is still under active investigation. The Bothell/Kenmore Reporter will update the community as more information becomes available.
