Protesters Vandalize WeHa Businesses: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police are investigating a vandalism incident Sunday afternoon linked to a protest regarding the ongoing war in Israel.

The West Hartford Police Department said the incident involved the splattering of red paint on the exterior of businesses in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square.

Police said at about 12:30 p.m. a rally — believed to be a pro-Palestine rally urging a cease-fire — was attended by 150 people at West Hartford Town Hall.

That group then marched throughout areas of Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center, police said.

"At one point, members of the group posted signs on the exterior of the businesses located at 65 LaSalle Road," police wrote in a statement.

"Afterward, it was discovered that unidentified group members vandalized the exterior of the building with red paint."

The police department later in the day Monday posted photographs of the scene showing the mess, along with an image of a person in a tree linked to what happened Sunday.

The WHPD said it is investigating the incident and no arrests have yet to be made.

The situation came one day after a public vigil took place Saturday evening involving the local Jewish community at the Young Israel of West Hartford synagogue, 2240 Albany Ave., West Hartford.

West Hartford has Connecticut's largest concentration of Jewish residents.

Since October, Israel has been at war with Hamas, a terror organization based in the Gaza section of Israel that invaded Israel, killing thousands and taking hundreds more hostage.

Anyone with information on Sunday's incident is asked to contact the West
Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or use the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969/
whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.