SANTEE, Calif. (KGTV) — San Diego Sheriff's Department officials say no charges will be filed against a couple who wore a swastika mask at a Santee grocery store in May.
SDSO said after investigating there wasn't enough evidence to charge the couple with a crime.
On May 7, SDSO says a man and woman walked into a Food 4 Less wearing surgical masks with swastika symbols attached to them. The store's management asked the couple to remove the masks, and after they refused, deputies were called, SDSO said.
Deputies arrived and asked the couple to also remove the masks, to which the man reportedly replied, "I'm not here promoting some Nazi propaganda. I'm here peacefully protesting against the Governor's insane lockdown."
The man also told deputies he was upset and frustrated with the state lockdown.
After deputies told the man the store has the right to refuse business and asked them again to remove their masks, they did.
"This incident should serve as a reminder for anyone contemplating wearing or displaying items closely associated with hate and human suffering that our society does not tolerate this behavior," an SDSO spokesperson said in a release. "Santee is a city of families and the community is rightfully disgusted at this couple's despicable behavior. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department thoroughly investigates incidents such as these and will hold those who violate the law accountable."
The incident occurred just days after a Santee man was photographed at a Vons wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood.
