Someone vandalized two separate schools within the Affton School District in St. Louis with racist graffiti, and police began a search for the person responsible. Racist messages and swastikas appeared on the buildings of Affton High School on March 7, 2025, and on Rogers Middle School on March 12. Video surveillance caught someone stealing two cans of black spray paint from a nearby hardware store, but they had carefully covered their face with a bandana.
The St. Louis County Police Department released footage on social media asking for help. “Can you identify the subject in the video? On the morning of March 12, a subject was observed on surveillance cameras defacing the property at Rogers Middle School. He spray painted racially motivated graffiti on the building,” the post reads. “This subject is possibly the same subject who similarly vandalized property at Affton High School on March 7, 2025.”
Patrick Sloan’s mother saw the footage and contacted police. She identified the suspect as her 18-year-old son, an Affton graduate. The mother, who asked not to be named, told Fox 2 that her son is naïve and the entire situation is a nightmare.
“I was aware of the incident. And after review of the security footage, I realized that it was my son,” Sloan’s mother said. “So, I did what I feel is the correct thing: to turn him in. I don’t accept his behavior.”
Police arrested Sloan for his alleged crimes and took him to jail. According to court documents, he is waiting for a court date, and a judge has set his bail at $25,000. He faces two charges of property damage motivated by discrimination.
Sloan’s mother said her son’s behavior concerns her. “He has become involved with a radicalized political group, and they had a march last Tuesday. He was considering marching with them,” she said, per Fox 2. “So, his intent was to stir up the community, which he very well did. He is not of that belief system. And I am truly sorry for the concern and hurt that has been caused in the community, because this is a small community and we are supposed to live in peace with each other.”
Many people on the Fox 2 Facebook page praised Sloan’s mother for speaking up.
One commenter wrote, “I wish more parents were like her! That took a whole lot of love for her to turn in her wayward son! For anyone to think he was ‘raised that way’ it was clearly not the case, especially with her acknowledging he had identified with a radical group!”
This person agreed and commented, “It goes without saying that this was most likely the most difficult thing she’s had to do as a mother. She was brave in holding her son accountable and allowing natural consequences for his actions. Kudos to this mother for setting an example for all of us!”
Many other commenters felt the same way, such as this person who wrote, “She’s not only a great mom. She’s an excellent citizen. She did a very brave thing and as a community citizen, I am extremely grateful to her.”
The Affton School District released a statement that reads in part, “To our Affton families, neighbors, and beyond––your outpouring of support has meant everything. From messages of encouragement to countless offers of help, your kindness and commitment to standing against hate have been felt by every student and educator in our schools.”
