Multiple Acts Of Vandalism Strike Yorktown

YORKTOWN, NY — The Town of Yorktown is investigating and taking action in response to multiple acts of vandalism that occurred early Saturday morning on town and private property. In a joint statement posted on Facebook, Supervisor Matt Slater and Police Chief Robert Noble said four glass doors were shattered at the Yorktown Stage, a menorah was toppled at Veterans' Field and multiple windows were broken at the John C. Hart Memorial Library.

Additionally, windows at the First Presbyterian Church and the St. Patrick's Old Stone Church were destroyed.

"As soon as these criminal acts were discovered town government took immediate action," the statement said.

Yorktown police are currently collecting evidence and reviewing video of the immediate and surrounding areas.

Officials said, at this point the incidents appear linked. Town personnel are repairing damaged town facilities.

"The Town of Yorktown wholeheartedly condemns these hateful and disrespectful acts," Slater and Noble said. "We will attempt to identify and hold accountable those responsible to the fullest extent of the law."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said in a statement that he was deeply concerned about the latest rash of vandalism directed against Judaism and Catholicism.

He said his office is in communication with the town and has offered the help and support of the Human Rights Commission and the Westchester County Public Safety Department.

"We take these incidents with utmost seriousness," Latimer said. "They are the reflection of a spreading sickness that encourages public expression of hatred. We reject this behavior fully and completely."

He urged all residents to stand in solidarity against hate and intimidation.

"Know that the entire County of Westchester stands with you," Latimer said. "Together we must work to teach tolerance and kinship, and let those who want to shatter our unity, and destroy the peace we enjoy, understand that expressions of hate have no home in Westchester County."

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Rockland and Westchester, said her heart is with those affected by this weekend's incidents and that she will continue working to combat senseless hate.

"The vandalism in Yorktown is yet another example of hate that has no place in our community," she said in a statement. "These act, especially during this difficult time of anti-Semitic violence, further heightens fear among our friends and neighbors."

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