(KRON) — A mural in Palo Alto that was vandalized earlier this week is being investigated as a hate crime, authorities said Thursday.
The Palo Alto Police Department learned of the vandalism to a business on the 900 block of East Charleston Road after it was reported Tuesday morning. According to the investigation, an unknown person spray painted derogatory language over a mural on the side of the business at some point between Monday and Tuesday.
“The language was directed towards people of Israeli descent,” Palo Alto PD said.
No information about the suspect was released by authorities. The monetary cost of the vandalism damage is estimated to be $2,000, police said.
“The City of Palo Alto strongly denounces hate crimes of all kinds,” police said, and urged anyone with information to call the dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be sent to paloalto@tipnow.org or 650-383-8984.

