Town of Yorktown Condemns Hateful Graffiti, Urges Public Vigilance
Facebook photo of Swastika found on a tree on Turkey Mountain
By Dan Murphy
Yorktown officials strongly condemned the discovery of a swastika carved into a tree at Turkey Mountain on August 10.
Town officials learned about the hateful graffiti late Saturday night after seeing the image on social media. Volunteers with the town’s Trail Committee removed the offensive symbol early Sunday morning, demonstrating the town’s unwavering commitment to immediately eradicating symbols of hate from public spaces.
The Yorktown Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident and is actively working to identify the individuals responsible, including tracking down those who posted images of the swastika on social media.
“Yorktown stands united against all forms of bigotry and intolerance. This act is profoundly offensive, disappointing, and unacceptable. We urge anyone who encounters hateful graffiti or offensive symbols and words in our public spaces to report them to the Yorktown Police Department immediately. Your swift action helps us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, said Supervisor Ed Lachterman.
Lachterman was critical of some candidates for the Town Board who posted photos of the hateful graffiti on social media. “While the intent may have been to inform, the manner in which some candidates chose to publicize this incident, particularly by posting images of the swastika on social media, was inappropriate and insensitive attention-mongering,” Lachterman added.
“Such actions risk amplifying the hateful message and distract from the collaborative efforts needed to address these serious issues responsibly. We must focus on unity and effective action, not political opportunism.”
The Town of Yorktown remains committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all residents and will continue to work diligently with law enforcement to address and prosecute acts of hate.
Assemblyman Matt Slater said, “Hate has no home in Yorktown. This type of behavior is against our community values, and as the great Yorktown Police Department has demonstrated in the past, those who perpetrate these disgusting acts will be held accountable. I applaud Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman and the town for its quick action and continued focus on combating all forms of hate when it raises its wicked head.”
Several months ago, two hate symbols were found by the Town at the Yorktown Skate Park behind Town Hall, and at Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field.
Lachterman told Halston Media-Yorktown News that the earlier incidents are not similar to this incident because the Swastika at Turkey Mountain was carved while the others were spray-painted, and that the Turkey Mountain location was much more remote than downtown Yorktown.
