Swastikas Found Carved Into Lower Hudson Valley Starbucks
Officials say two swastikas were carved into the bathroom of a Hudson Valley Starbucks and left up for three weeks before they were reported. Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate.
"Two swastikas were recently found carved into a Starbucks bathroom door in Nyack, Rockland County. In New York we have absolutely zero tolerance for such abhorrent symbols, which are designed to intimidate and sow division and are part of the cancer of hate that has infected the nation's body politic in recent years. I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist local authorities in their investigation into this incident and to punish those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. Anti-Semitism and hate in all its forms are repugnant to New York's values of inclusion, diversity and acceptance - and we will continue to call out cowardly acts of hate whenever and wherever we see them," Cuomo said in a statement late Monday.
Earlier Monday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day said he learned the swastikas were carved three weeks ago and left up, or went unnoticed.
"We confirmed with law enforcement that this happened approximately three weeks ago, was still up in the bathroom today and Starbucks either did not see it or simply did not report it," Day said. "The police are still awaiting a report from Starbucks which we are told is finally forthcoming. You may wish to take your justifiable anger at this incident and ask the Starbucks manager just how this insult to not only to our Jewish community but also to the entire community of Rockland was left out for all to see for three weeks! How did no one employed at the store not see this? Was it reported to an employee and ignored? Is this hateful and criminal activity considered something not warranting the attention of Starbucks? The cavalier attitude by Starbucks Nyack to this incident is both shocking and disgusting."
Day also condemned the anti-semitic incident.
"This type of hate has no place in our County and those who engage in this criminal activity should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Day said.
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