NY1: Swastika Graffiti Discovered In Brooklyn As Officials Denounce Similar Queens Incident

From NY1:

A $2,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of whoever has been spray-painting swastikas in Queens.

Investigators say a total of five swastikas were sprayed on the East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights branches of the Queens Library. Another was spray-painted on the door of a synagogue in Jackson Heights.

Investigators believe the incidents are related.

Elected officials say the crime nearly happened right in front of the New York City Police Department.

"Up until this morning, the NYPD had a tower, a lift right over there on that corner, and this hate crime happened under their nose, literally. It’s not but 20 feet from here. Both sides of the street had been cleared of cars so that the police could be over there," said City Councilman Daniel Dromm.

"We have to stand up and send a clear message to whoever is doing this. You will be caught and we will prosecute you to the full extent of the law. This community will not tolerate it,” said State Assembly Candidate Francisco Moya.

Police say their tower was 150 yards away and that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

The Hate Crimes Task Force is also investigating another swastika painted on a sidewalk in Brooklyn.

It was sprayed near the corner of Berry and 10th Streets in Williamsburg.

Someone appears to have covered the swastika with white paint.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.