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The swastika was first reported around 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 31, at Sunshine Acres Park, in the Town of Huntington, by a 911 caller, said the Suffolk County Police.
Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci urged residents on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to report suspicious activity and instances of hate to police or town officials.
“The swastika is symbol meant to threaten and intimidate and this demonstration of hate will not be tolerated in the Town of Huntington,” said Lupinacci, who visited the park.
Town staff has temporarily painted over the graffiti with green paint until they can permanently seal-coat the area, he added.
“Our Department of Public Safety is ramping up foot patrols at the park and I urge our residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity in our parks to the Department of Public Safety and suspected instances of hate to the Town’s Anti-Bias Task Force,” said Lupinacci.
Residents can report suspicious activity to the public safety hotline at 631-351-3234, or via the website at huntingtonny.gov/public-safety.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the state police to offer assistance to local authorities investigating the incident.
In a statement, Cuomo said was "appalled and disgusted to learn yet again that anti-Semitic, racist symbols are being used to intimidate our fellow New Yorkers - this time in Sunshine Acres Park in Commack
"There is no place for hate in New York and the cowards behind these despicable acts should know their actions only serve to bring us closer together."
Incidents can also be reported to the Anti-Bias Task Force at 631-351-3304.
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