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Police Investigating Antisemitic Graffiti in Montauk

Mon, 10/30/2023 - 11:12
East Hampton Town police were on the scene at Naturally Good, a health food cafe in downtown Montauk, on Monday morning to investigate antisemitic graffiti there.
Christopher Walsh

Update, Oct. 30, 1:30 p.m.: "Detectives will thoroughly investigate this horrible crime," East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said in an email to The Star on Monday afternoon. "We cannot make further comment on specific steps at this time. Obviously, the canvass of the areas for any and all video footage will be a primary concern."

Chief Sarlo said the first call came in Monday "before sunrise" from people at Ditch Plain who observed the antisemitic graffiti at the comfort station, food trucks, and street signs. "E.H.T.P.D. patrol has responded to each location and continues to canvass areas for other instances," he said.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who saw anything suspicious on Sunday night into Monday morning to contact them at 631-537-7575.

Update, Oct. 30, 12:30 p.m.: Concerned community members will gather Monday at the Montauk green at Carl Fisher Plaza at 4 p.m. to rally for peace. The public has been invited to attend.

Originally, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.: An East Hampton Town Police dispatcher confirmed Monday morning that officers are on scene in Montauk investigating multiple incidents of antisemitic hate-crime vandalism.

Naturally Good, a health food store on Main Street, was targeted, as were two food trucks and the bathrooms at Ditch Plain Beach. Photographs show swastikas and hateful words spray-painted on walls, fences, and the side of the food trucks.

No further information was immediately available Monday morning. This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.

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