(REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.) - A local LGBT community member believes vulgar language and obscenities that were painted on his home a week ago are more than a simple case of vandalism. He said the writing on the wall points to a hate crime
Gene Harris and his partner woke up to hate fueled messages plastered on their home September 24.
"It took us back twenty of thirty years to a feeling of shame and humiliation, and somehow embarrassment - yes embarrassment."
Delaware State Police have been investigating, but are not calling the vandalism a hate crime.
Steve Elkins, the executive director of the LGBT-friendly, Camp Rehoboth is adamant that what he saw was definitely a hate crime in his eyes.
It's pretty scary to see what was painted not only on the front of the home, but all around the house, Elkins said. And even on...a car that belonged to a friend of theirs was sprayed with some vile homophobic slurs."
Another property, about a mile away, was also allegedly vandalized as well.
These accusations have been alarming for this LGBT community.
"It made me sick to my stomach to see it, Elkins said passionately. Again because you think we've bridged that gap. We've come so far."
Harris explained he and his partner have felt violated since the whole ordeal, but people from all backgrounds offering them support has made all the difference.
"It was really, truly touching - I mean totally. And, so appreciated by me and my partner."
Delaware State Police said they'll continue investigating the incident, but as criminal mischief. According to officials, nothing was written on the home that specifically targeted a particular group of people that would warrant the incident to be investigated as a hate crime.