Pinnacle High School was vandalized overnight with insensitive and racist phrases such as "white supremacy," "white power" and swastika symbols. Other graphic symbols were also spray painted onto various school walls and pillars.
The Anti-Defamation League says the school was defaced sometime between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
ADL spokesperson Carlos Galindo-Elvira said they're deeply disturbed by the incident and called it "appalling."
"Words matter," Galindo-Elvira said. "Those that are painted in vandalism acts — those matter too. In this case in a very negative way."
Phoenix police say this incident is being investigated by their bias crime unit.
.@ADLArizona aware of vandalism @ Pinnacle H.S. Disturbed by words & symbols too graphic 2 tweet. We've reached out 2 law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/BvtUv5NTwV
— carlosgeADL (@carlosgeADL) March 25, 2017
Officers responded just before 7 a.m. and observed graffiti on the property.
There is no information on possible suspect(s) at this time.
No place for hate in Phoenix. Anyone w/info on Pinnacle High vandalism please call PhxPD at 602.262.6151 or Silent Witness 480.948.6377. 2/2
— Greg Stanton (@MayorStanton) March 25, 2017
Paradise Valley Unified Schools released the following statement on the incident:
At PVSchools, our first priority is for the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We take all incidents and any reported allegations seriously and work in cooperation with law enforcement on all police matters.
We were notified this morning that Pinnacle High School was vandalized with racist symbolism and wording. The Phoenix Police Department was immediately contacted, and our Facilities Department is onsite cleaning up the vandalism. PVSchools does not tolerate this type of behavior.
If your viewers should have any information related to the vandalism that happened at Pinnacle High School, they are encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department 602-262-6151.
Stay with ABC15 and abc15.com for updates on this developing story.
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