Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Jan 23: Police have arrested two 15-year-old boys in connection with the vandalisation of a playground in Brooklyn’s Borough Park, a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, where more than 50 swastikas were painted over two days, officials said on Thursday.
According to police and city authorities, the hate symbols were drawn using red, yellow and blue paint on slides, playground equipment, handball courts and surrounding areas at Gravesend Park, located at 56th Street and 18th Avenue. The graffiti was first discovered on Tuesday and then reappeared in greater numbers on Wednesday, sparking outrage among local residents, community leaders and political representatives.
Community Board 12 members alerted the NYPD’s 66th Precinct after noticing the vandalism on Tuesday. Following an inspection by board members and police, the vandals reportedly returned later that night, defacing the playground again. In total, 57 swastikas were found across the park over the two-day period, along with hateful slogans including the words “Adolf Hitler.”
Mayor Mamdani condemned the incident, describing it as sickening antisemitic vandalism and reiterating that hatred has no place in the city. He said the administration was working closely with the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force and the Parks Department to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Photographs shared by Community Board 12 showed swastikas painted prominently on the handball courts and playground structures, including metal slides. Board members expressed anger over the repeated acts, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to catch those responsible.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force took over the investigation, which led to the arrest of the two teenagers. One of the accused has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated harassment as a hate crime and criminal mischief, while the second faces multiple counts of aggravated harassment.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, while the damaged areas of the playground are being cleaned and restored.