'Hate Will Be Wrapped In Love': Swampscott Reacts To Racist Vandalism

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott officials are condemning the latest incident of hate graffiti in the town after police said a racial slur was found written in chalk at the Abbott Park basketball court on Thursday night.

Police are seeking the public's help in identifying who might be responsible for the vandalism that they believe occurred between 8:45 and 9:15 at 148 Paradise Road.

"We have zero tolerance for any acts of hatred, and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice," Swampscott Police Chief Ruben Quesada said.

The town issued a statement saying that it is actively working in consultation with the Anti-Defamation League of New England, NAACP, fellow law enforcement agencies, District Attorney Paul Tucker's office and community leadership on this incident.

Select Board Chair David Grishman addressed the incident at the beginning of Monday's Board meeting.

"The words written in chalk were a sign of ignorance and easily washed away," Grishman said. "However, what remains is a reminder to our community that Swampscott faces issues of racism right here in our quaint little beach town. This is not a problem that only faces our neighbors or Boston, it's right here. And it's been here. And we have to be the change we want to see in our community.

"While this overt racism is a sad sign, I remain encouraged. I remain steadfast in my support of my town to be anti-racist. The opposition of love is not hate, it is indifference. So when we're met with acts of hate, and acts of racism, we need to challenge that because if we're not talking about it we're being indifferent to it."

The latest vandalism comes six months after a swastika was found spray-painted on Reddington Street in the town in early January.

"While these words of hate are a sad sign of the times and have no place in Swampscott," Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald said. "This is Pride Month and a few days after Juneteenth. Sadly, there are folks who oppose these changes that celebrate the infinite value of humanity.

"We are going to ensure that folks know that everyone in this town will be safe, and hate will be wrapped in love."

Police are asking anyone with home security camera footage that may cover the park to check it for anything suspicious on Thursday night. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police at 781-595-1111. Those contacting the police may do so anonymously.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)