Suspect arrested on suspicion of “reprehensible” antisemitic vandalism at Long Island school

A youth has been arrested on suspicion of antisemitic vandalism at a school in Long Island, New York.

The unnamed male was charged by police with a hate crime for allegedly spray-painting swastikas at John Philip Sousa Elementary School in Port Washington in New York State. The boy was charged with first-degree aggravated harassment and third-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime in connection with the swastikas.

Port Washington school Superintendent Michael Hynes announced the boy’s arrest one day after police released photos of the suspect. Mr Hynes described the graffiti as a “reprehensible and hateful act of antisemitism” and said that the district would continue to work with the police and the District Attorney’s office as the investigation continued.

 In a statement, Mr Hynes wrote: “We must remain resolute in our commitment to zero tolerance of bigotry, hatred and discrimination in any and all of its forms,” adding: “From our classrooms to our homes, we must continue to engage in dialogue to educate our children on the impact of such hateful acts.”

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Image credit: Port Washington Police District