'Nearly Daily Violent Attacks' Target Homeless Encampment In Milford

MILFORD, CT — A Milford homeless shelter is calling for "immediate protective measures" and a "thorough investigation" following "nearly daily violent attacks and hate speech [that] have been committed on and toward residents of the Lowe's Encampment Community in Milford, CT."

The Beth-El Shelter said the attacks have been occurring since the end of September.

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"Over the past week, incidents have become increasingly dangerous," the shelter said.

Fireworks have been thrown into the encampments, resulting in fires that residents have had to extinguish.

The attacks are occurring at the encampment behind the Lowe's home improvement store at 311 Old Gate Lane. Employees have also been injured in the attacks, according to Beth-El. Swastikas have also been spray painted on trees in the area.

Police Chief Keith Mello said in a statement Monday that detectives have been assigned to the investigation, and the department has directed the patrols in that area to provide "increased and enhanced security near the encampment... around the clock."

Police confirmed that evidence shows that fireworks were thrown at or near the encampment and swastikas were painted on a tree.

Police said there does not appear to be any physical injuries to any encampment residents.

Police said they have identified a suspect using a license plate reader on Old Gate Lane. Police have also recovered digital evidence from other sources, leading to identifying two additional suspects.

Police said there "appears to be at least five separate incidents, that may or may not all be related to the suspects that we have identified."

When the investigation is complete, police said they will determine what charges will be brought, including whether a hate crime has been committed. A hate crimes notification has been filed with the Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Unit, according to police.

The Beth-El shelter posted on Facebook: "We are bringing these reports to public attention because protecting people from violence is a shared responsibility and any act of violence in the City of Milford is a threat to everyone's safety.

"Community leaders must clearly condemn these acts and support concrete steps to ensure residents' safety. Every person, regardless of housing status, deserves protection from violence, intimidation, and hate."

See the full statement and photographs of evidence by clicking here.

"Physical attacks, hate speech and the criminalization of people who are trying to meet their basic needs must be condemned by every community leader to the highest order," Beth-El Shelter Executive Director Jennifer Paradis said in a statement. "This is not just a housing issue; it is a public safety issue. Physical violence and hate speech are harms that require immediate and comprehensive action and are threats to us all. Like all residents, people experiencing homelessness want, need and deserve safety. What we need to do is to continue to work together in a collaborative manner alongside our city officials and law enforcement as they investigate these reported acts of violence, and we urge them to take every possible measure to protect our unhoused neighbors, hold those responsible accountable, and bring this violence to an end immediately."

The news comes following a statement released from Mayor Rich Smith on Friday that condemned the attacks.

Related: Milford Official 'Outraged' By Attacks On Homeless Community

The attacks include physical assaults, stone throwing, verbal abuse and fireworks thrown into encampments, Smith's statement said.