A North Texas church is vandalized with racist slurs, swastikas for second time

A McKinney church was vandalized with racist slurs and swastikas for the second time in less than two months.

The vandalism has left the congregation at Stonebridge United Methodist Church apprehensive as police investigate who is responsible for the graffiti.

On Sunday, an employee found a racist slur spray painted on the church’s exterior, near a dozen swastikas with the message, “Not my best work yet …”

A dumpster and two outdoor plants also were set on fire.

Six weeks earlier, on July 17, someone spray painted a message in support of white supremacy on an exterior wall.

The congregation, which is predominantly white, has no idea who is behind the vandalism, pastor Jeff Lust said.

“People are certainly concerned,” he said. “In general, though, we’re strong and hanging in there.”

McKinney Mayor George Fuller denounced the vandalism and said the perpetrators would be held responsible.

“These acts of violence are disgusting and the work of ignorant, hateful fools, but not representative of our community,” Fuller said in an email. “McKinney is a diverse, caring and compassionate community, and we rebuke such behavior in its entirety.”

Police are investigating the vandalism and fire but have not yet identified a suspect.

Stonebridge plans to increase security and use this as an opportunity to unite people from different faiths.

“There is a lot of work to be done,” Lust said, “and we can help fight racism and keep that conversation going.”

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in this case. To make an anonymous tip, call 214-373-8477.