Newton Police Investigating 2 Anti-Asian Hate Incidents

NEWTON, MA — Newton police are investigating two Anti-Asian hate incidents that took place this week, said mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement.

The two acts occurred within a 24-hour period, said Fuller. In the first incident, a jogger took a "Stop Asian Hate" sign from a lawn and threw it into the street. In the second, paint was scraped from a Newton Out Doors exhibit that depicts the artist Amanda Beard Garcia's Asian grandmother.

"I am disheartened by not just these incidents but also the five house break-ins of Asian families in Newton earlier in June and July as well as the increase in the verbal harassment and physical violence against Asians across the country in the last year and a half," wrote Fuller.

These incidents come after five Newton homes were broken into, with all the victims being of Asian descent. Police have been investigating whether the break-ins are racially motivated, but do not have any definitive information yet.

Next week, the art installation that was vandalized will be moved outside Newton City Hall, where the side left intact will be displayed on the grass near the front stairs, said Fuller.

"I stand with our Asian neighbors. All of Newton stands with our Asian neighbors" wrote Fuller. "Today and in the days to come, Newtonians will continue reaching out to and watching out for our neighbors."

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Newton Police Department at 617-796-2123 or call the anonymous tip line at 617-796-2121.