Police have arrested a man in connection with an investigation into swastikas discovered on the edifice at Union Station, according to a press release.

The symbols, discovered on Friday, appeared to have been marked all around the Amtrak building and its surrounding columns. According to social media posts, the swastikas have been temporarily hidden with makeshift coverings.

On Saturday, officers arrested 34-year-old Geraldo Pando, who is unhoused. During a press conference on Friday, MPD Chief Robert Contee said that while the swastikas are recognized as a symbol of hate, authorities believe they may have been drawn by a person experiencing homelessness who could have mental health challenges. 

“The person who did this could very well have some mental health challenges,” said Contee. “What I also know is that it appears that it may be one of our unhoused residents who did this based upon some information that has been revealed.”

D.C. police are working with Amtrak officers to investigate the case as possibly motivated by hate or bias.

On Friday, community reaction to the crime was swift. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington condemned the incident, which happened on the morning after International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“To find such a symbol of hate at the entrance to Union Station is unacceptable and is not just an affront to Jews, but to all Americans. Swastikas are a chilling symbol of Nazi hatred and have no place in our society,” said Gil Preuss, CEO of the JFGW in a statement.

Still, MPD also shared that they are working with the Jewish community to offer support and transparency during the investigation.

“We’ve been in touch with the Jewish community,” said Contee. “As well as Jewish leadership to talk about the incident that happened, what we’re doing. Just to make sure that we’re on all cylinders with respect to how we respond to these things.”

After learning that the person involved may be experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, Preuss shared that they want to see a positive outcome for all– including resources for the person who may have done it.

“Our Jewish community will continue to stand strong and resilient in the face of hatred and antisemitism, and in encouraging mental health services for all who need them,” said Preuss.

Leaders in the Jewish community like Sheila Katz believe the incident should also be a call to ending a rise on antisemitism.

“We continue to experience antisemitism on a daily basis and it is exhausting and horrifying,” said Katz, the CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women. “We need more people who claim to be our allies to speak out against antisemitism and we must continue to unite as a Jewish community to fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

https://twitter.com/SheilaKatz1/status/1487072639973797893

Amtrak did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation.

This story has been updated with news of an arrest in the case. Margaret Barthel contributed reporting.