Norwalk Condemns 'Anti-Semitic, Racist' Statements Made During Meeting

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk leaders said they condemn "anti-Semitic and racist statements" made by several unknown individuals that disrupted a virtual meeting Tuesday night.

In a news release Wednesday, Mayor Harry Rilling, DEI Officer LaToya Fernandez and the city's Comment Council said the statements were made during the public comment portion of the council's Ordinance Committee meeting held over Zoom.

"I unequivocally condemn these ignorant, racist individuals for their anti-Semitic, racist statements made during last night's Ordinance Committee meeting," Rilling said in a news release. "These individuals are bigots, and such statements are incredibly gross, obscene and hateful and demonstrate the exact opposite of what the city of Norwalk stands for. We are a community that values diversity among race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality and more...our law and IT departments are actively developing new protocols to help ensure an occurrence like this one never happens again in our community."

The mayor also noted Norwalk police are investigating the comments made during Tuesday's meeting and are working in collaboration with the prosecutor's office in Stamford to determine if they were criminal and motivated by hate or bias.

If so, they will pursue criminal charges against the parties responsible, according to Rilling.

"I am disappointed to hear that hateful language was used to harm and disrupt our community," Fernandez said in a news release. "We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all. As the DEI Officer for the city, I will continue to provide safe spaces of support for those impacted by these offenses and ensure that we continue to engage in professional learning opportunities that promote inclusion."

According to The Norwalk Hour, the hateful comments were made six separate times, however it is currently unclear if they were made by six individuals or a few individuals posing as different members of the public.

Though city officials worked to mute the hateful comments, Committee Chairperson Lisa Shanahan ultimately cut the public comment section of the meeting short, The Norwalk Hour reports. Residents with legitimate comments were asked to email them to the committee.

Patch has reached out to the Norwalk Police Department for further information about this incident.

Common Council President Darlene Young also released a statement condemning the hateful comments made during Tuesday's meeting.

"During the public comment portion of [Tuesday] night's Ordinance Committee meeting, several individuals made statements that were unquestionably anti-Semitic and racist," Young said in a news release. "While it brings us some comfort that these individuals were likely not Norwalkers, unfortunately we are seeing a national trend among this type of vitriol. The Norwalk Common Council unequivocally condemns any and all acts of hatred. Hatred has no place in Norwalk and runs directly counter to the values we hold most dear. We constantly aspire to be a diverse and welcoming city to people of all faiths, races, and nationalities."