Berlin Mayor Seeks Answers Over Racist Materials

BERLIN, CT — The town's top elected official said Wednesday afternoon he's concerned about the presence of white supremist, racist materials being distributed in town.

But, Republican Mayor Mark Kaczynski said he's confident what was found over the holiday weekend doesn't represent any organized, racist effort tied to the local community.

"It's nothing anyone wants to see in their town, that's for sure," Kaczynski said Wednesday afternoon. "I know we're a welcoming community."

Offensive, racist flyers have appeared in Berlin in recent days, with state and local police investigating the situation as a possible hate crime.

Fox 61 is reporting that written, white supremacist materials, believed to be from the New England Nationalist Social Club, were found on multiple town streets.

Reportedly, they were seen over the holiday weekend on York Road, Allington Street and Briar Patch Drive.

Kaczynski said he was receiving text messages from local and police officials shortly after the materials were found by an officer on the beat.

"It's disturbing," he said. "But I don't believe there's any affiliation to Berlin that anybody can point to."

The mayor said other towns in the area had reported similar incidents in recent months, with the recent one only being reported in Berlin, so far.

State police Wednesday confirmed they are assisting the Berlin Police Department in the investigation, as the flyers could represent potential hate crimes.

A spokesperson with the town's police department could not yet be reached for comment.

Kaczynski said anyone who spots more racially offensive materials in the community to report to the town manager's office or the local police department.

In April, the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticutissued a report stating antisemitic incidents in Connecticut were up by 42 percent in 2021.

The ADL got its start as an organization opposing antisemitic behavior, but it has evolved into an outright, anti-hate group altogether.

“The data paints a clear picture that antisemitism remains a serious concern, not only across the U.S. but also here in Connecticut,” said Stacey Sobel, ADL Connecticut regional director, when the April report was released.

Kaczynski reiterated he doesn't believe what happened is merely a "Berlin" issue.

"I don't really think that's something our residents would go for," he said.

For the full, Fox 61 report on the Berlin incident, visit this link.

For the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut report on antisemitism from last April, click on this link.

For information on the Berlin Police Department, visit this link.

For information on the Berlin Town Manager's Office, visit this link.