Fairfield Man Accused Of Raising Flag With Swastikas Over Building At NYU: Report

FAIRFIELD, CT — A 23-year-old Fairfield man was arrested on hate crime charges Tuesday, after authorities said he raised a flag bearing swastikas above a building at New York University during graduation ceremonies, Patch and The New York Times reported.

Alexander Stepnowsky has been charged on a warrant with the following:

• Hate crime burglary
• Aggravated harassment
• Criminal trespassing in a hate crime

Stepnowsky is accused of raising the flag, which reportedly had two swastikas and a Star of David, above the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development building, where he was a student.

The flag was reportedly discovered and removed on May 13, and police said Stepnowsky was seen on surveillance video entering and exiting the building.

The Steinhardt School was named after donors Michael and Judy Steinhardt in 2001.

Stepnowsky, who reportedly has pleaded not guilty, was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.

Read the Patch story; read The New York Times story.