The most recent instance of graffiti at the intersection of 7th and H NW, as seen this morning. (Photo by Erin Sutherland)

For at least the fifth time this month, anti-Semitic graffiti appeared on one of Chinatown’s busiest intersections. This instance features something new—in addition to the word “JEW” written again inside one of the rats painted onto the crosswalk, cops found a number of swastikas drawn nearby.

The Barnes Crosswalk public art installation on 7th and H streets NW depicts the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, but the same problem keeps occurring: someone, or a number of people, keeps writing “JEW” inside the rats.

Erin Sutherland is a photographer who works in Chinatown. Since she heard about the graffiti, “every time I walk through the intersection, I give the ground a little side-eye,” she says. This morning, she saw the defacement first-hand. “I was horrified,” she says. “I’m Jewish and seeing that makes me very upset.”

Rachel Hartman, spokesperson for DowntownDC BID, confirmed that the graffiti reappeared, and says that maintenance employees have since cleaned it.

In addition to the scribbling on the rat, police also found a swastika drawn on the rear door of the corner Starbucks and “other swastikas were observed and reported.”

D.C. Police announced on August 11 that it is offering a $1,000 reward through Crime Solvers for information that leads to an arrest or conviction. “The case remains under investigation,” says spokesperson Aquita Brown. Law enforcement is investigating the incidents as suspected hate crimes, according to police reports from August 1 and August 21.

Maintenance employees with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and the District Department of Transportation have worked to remove the graffiti when it shows up.

Reverend Thomas Bowen, the director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs, told DCist his office is planning a conversation this fall with local faith leaders to discuss hate and hate speech.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call 202-727-9099 or send an anonymous text message to 50411.