Swastikas Found Painted On Waterford Playground

WATERFORD, CT — The town received a report of several swastikas painted on playground equipment located near Leary Park earlier this week.

"The Town strongly condemns anti-Semitic graphics and acts of cowardice and bigotry," First Selectman Rob Brule wrote on Facebook. "We are saddened and angered to hear of the ugly anti-Semitic vandalism that appeared on our local playground. The swastika is a symbol of hate and violence and has no place in any community, and we are outraged that it has emerged here, in our community, and on a playground. The symbols of antisemitism are threatening and painful."

Police are investigating the incident. The swastikas have been removed from the playground by town staff, according to Brule.

"This incident is evidence that no community, even one as welcoming as Waterford, is immune to hatred," Brule wrote. "We must remain ever vigilant in denouncing these acts and in supporting efforts to combat bigotry and hatred. In Waterford, we strive to be an inclusive community and to educate and advocate with others towards this important goal. We must be tireless in our efforts to support each other within our community that we are all fortunate enough to call home."

Police photographed the vandalism before maintenance crews removed and painted over it Wednesday morning, according to NBC CT.

Anyone with information can contact Lieutenant David Ferland at the Police Department at 860-442-9451 x2328.

Brule noted that anyone who identifies offensive messages should call police immediately. They should not remove the offensive messages before police have an opportunity to document them.