BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – A Texas man has been charged with felony vandalism with a hate crime allegation in connection with the defacing of a menorah that was displayed at a Beverly Hills home in celebration of Hannukah.
Eric Brian King of Dallas, Texas was charged in with one count of felony vandalism. The count includes a hate crime allegation.
It is alleged that on Sunday, King etched a symbol associated with the German Nazi regime into the base of a nine-foot-tall menorah on display outside a home on Foothill Road in Beverly Hills. He also threw objects at the menorah, damaging it. King was arrested the same day.
“The ugliness of antisemitism has revealed itself in many ways throughout our community and across the country in recent weeks,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said. “I condemn it, and we must make clear that such hate will not be tolerated. The conduct alleged in this case is despicable, especially coming during one of the most joyous times of the year for Jewish people. We will always stand up against such hatred and hold accountable those who commit hate crimes in Los Angeles County.”
The case remains under investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department.
