BOSTON —

The man accused of a series of vandalism acts targeting "prominent public institutions" has a criminal history, NewsCenter 5 learned Tuesday.

Jermaiah Sawaqed, 25, of Everett, went before a judge Tuesday after he was accused of vandalizing the front entrance to the Massachusetts State House in July, as well as vandalism at the George Washington Monument at the Public Garden and two buildings at MIT.

Investigators are also linking Sawaqed to two improvised explosive devices found on the Boston Common.

Sawaqed also has an open case in Tennessee of domestic assault charges. Court filings say he hit his ex-girlfriend in the face during a dispute in 2024.

"Grateful to law enforcement for that; there's no room, whether public building or grounds or anywhere for that kind of conduct

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