LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — A nonprofit organization is still grappling with the vandalism they faced this week as the nation continues to navigate the coronavirus crisis.
The Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach reported racist graffiti sprayed on the front entrance of the building Thursday.
The center’s case manager, Daniel Morgan, described the disturbing crime several families encountered as they waited for assistance that morning.
"To see them have to look at that while they are waiting for someone from the office to come, it breaks your heart,” said Morgan.
A paint shop across the street helped the center cover the graffiti after detectives documented the incident.
However, the graffiti was so bold that another layer of paint was needed on Friday.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.
On Thursday night, WPTV also learned about another case of vandalism in Lake Worth Beach that occurred about a half mile away from The Guatemalan-Maya Center.
Reports showed a swastika spray-painted on a Bernie Sanders campaign sign near Lake Avenue and F Street.
The incidents are prompting a large response from the community, including the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.
"The Jewish community of Palm Beach County sends our support to the Guatemala Mayan Center and the people they serve.
We stand with you in the fight against hatred and bigotry,” the organization wrote in a statement on Facebook. “This is a time when we should all come together in recognizing our shared humanity."
Call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS (8477) if you can help in the cases.