Multiple "*Schutzstaffel" symbols and an upside down cross were spray-painted on the back of a South Church Street business in recent days. The Schutzstaffel symbol is made up of two side by side s's (SS). The graffiti was on the outside rear wall of Olympus Gym near the Innsbrooke Subdivision.

In addition to the "SS" symbols found in both red and black, an upside down cross and the numbers "666" were also located on the back of the business wall.

The word Schutzstaffel, which is represented by the two S's, can be translated into English. In English it means "Protection Squadron." The group was a major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party that formed in 1920. The group originally provided security for the Nazi Party when they met. The group grew to be a massive force in the 1930's and 40's and was believed to be responsible for crimes against humanity in World War II. The group, along with the entire Nazi Party, was later deemed to be a criminal organization by the International Military Tribunal.

In years past, an upside down cross once stood for humility. Apostle Peter was crucified upside down on a cross because he felt he was unworthy to die in the same manner that Christ died. Thus the upside down cross became a symbol of humility.

In much later years the upside down cross, depending on what context it is used, became a symbol of atheism for some and Satan to others. In other words, it can mean an opposition to Christ or Christianity. This is likely the case in the spray-painted message on the rear of the Olympus Gym in Murfreesboro because the cross was next to the numbers "666."

The number "666" is said to be the mark of the beast. The Bible states in Revelation 13:18, "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his numbers Six hundred threescore and six."

The person or person's behind the vandalism have not been caught. The damage was valued at about $1,000 to properly remove from the wall. The case was simply labeled as a "Vandalism."

Additional Information:

Murfreesboro Police Incident Report #14-17140

Pronounced: Shutts-Stough-el