Over time the swastika has morphed into a universal symbol of hate; one that appeared this week on a garage in Grand Junction.        

Frustrated neighbors are speaking out, saying they want it gone.

People in the area of 10th St. and Colorado Ave. were angry and surprised when they saw a swastika painted on their street.

"I know what that means, man. That’s racist stuff right there," Ben Raulston said.

When Raulston comes out his front door, he sees a huge swastika painted on a garage door across the street.

Neighbors say it sends a message of hate that doesn't belong in their community.

Alicia Achierno, who also lives across the street, says, "People have a right to say what they want and everything. People have to also have a consideration for what's around them.”

Neighbors say that they want this swastika covered up immediately.

"Grand Junction has a huge KKK history and we've taken decades to get rid of that,” Achierno said. “Now it’s coming up all over again and I really wish somebody would paint over it and get rid of it."

We asked the owner of the garage why the symbol is on his property.  He says he doesn't know who put it there.  It is vandalism that he plans to paint over.

"If this is a group or individual showing that kind of hate, what's their next step?” Achierno asked.  “You never know what's going to happen or what kind of hate that's going to produce."

Raulston, who's from Oakland originally, says he's used to seeing these types of symbols but this is the first one he's seen in Grand Junction.

Because they live so close to a school, these neighbors are especially concerned about the impact this vandalism may have on kids.

Achierno adds, "If you’re teaching children or your community that you're allowed to hate like that, then what kind of community are we really living in?" 

As KJCT was leaving the vandalized home Wednesday afternoon, the homeowner was beginning to paint over the swastika.