YORKTOWN, N.Y. — A swastika carved into a tree along a trail on Turkey Mountain this weekend has been removed, Yorktown officials said, as they resoundingly condemned the racist vandalism.
Officials said they learned about the hateful graffiti late Saturday night (Aug. 9) after seeing the image on social media. Volunteers with the town’s Trail Committee removed the offensive symbol early Sunday morning, Aug. 10. The graffiti was reportedly found on a tree where the popular hiking preserve’s Green and White trails intersect.
The Yorktown Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident and is actively working to identify the individuals responsible, including tracking down those who posted images of the swastika on social media.
“Yorktown stands united against all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” Supervisor Ed Lachterman said in a press release. “This act is profoundly offensive, disappointing and unacceptable. We urge anyone who encounters hateful graffiti or offensive symbols and words in our public spaces to immediately report them to the Yorktown Police Department. Your swift action helps us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.”
In the press release from the Town of Yorktown’s official publicist, Thompson & Bender, Lachterman criticized some candidates who are running for Town Board for posting pictures of the graffiti on social media.
“While the intent may have been to inform, the manner in which some candidates chose to publicize this incident, particularly by posting images of the swastika on social media, was inappropriate and insensitive attention-mongering,” the supervisor said. “Such actions risk amplifying the hateful message and distract from the collaborative efforts needed to address these serious issues responsibly. We must focus on unity and effective action, not political opportunism.”
The carving comes just a few months after swastikas and other racist and homophobic messages were found spray-painted at the skate park behind Town Hall and on the track at Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field. Lachterman told Yorktown News the two incidents did not appear to be connected.
“We found that kid [the alleged skate park vandal],” Lachterman said. “It was a different MO. This was carved, not spray-painted. Also, a much harder spot to get to. It is quite a hike to get to Turkey Mountain from town.”
This is a developing story.
Article includes information provided by Thompson & Bender
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