Newark Political Campaign Banner Defaced With Swastika: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A banner promoting two Newark City Council candidates was defaced with a swastika and other graffiti a month before an upcoming municipal election, police said.

The “bias incident” was reported on March 29 on the 400-block of Broadway, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety (NDPS). It involved a banner that promoted current Newark council members Luis Quintana and Anibal Ramos Jr., who are running for re-election as part of Mayor Ras Baraka’s slate on May 8.

One of the banners was spray-painted with a swastika, Newark police stated. A second banner was spray-painted to deface photos of the candidates.

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“While police are actively investigating this incident, we seek the public’s help in quickly identifying the suspect or suspects involved in this incident,” the NDPS stated.

Newark police released the below photos of a person wanted in connection with the alleged bias incident.

Anyone with information can call the department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or the Newark Police Special Victims Unit at (973) 733-7273. Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at www.newarkpdonline.org, or through its smartphone app.

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Photos: Newark Department of Public Safety