Today, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) issued the following statement following police investigations into reports of a hate crime in Montauk involving large swastikas and antisemitic graffiti found at various locations, such as Ditch Plains Beach, a power meter, and a parking lot between two businesses. East Hampton Town Police Detectives report that the hateful acts took place sometime between the evening of Sunday, October 29^th, and the morning of Monday, October 30^th. Community members are encouraged to call the East Hampton Town Police Department at (631) 537 7575 if they noticed any suspicious activity on Sunday night through Monday morning.

Assemblyman Thiele said, “I strongly condemn the recent hateful act of vandalism in Montauk, where swastikas and antisemitic graffiti were discovered at multiple locations. Such actions are not only a blatant violation of public spaces but also a shameful display of bigotry and hatred. In a time when we should be striving for unity, respect, and understanding, it is deeply troubling that individuals would resort to spreading messages of hate and division. I stand in solidarity with the affected community and all those who reject such acts of discrimination and intolerance. Our community must come together to combat hate, promote tolerance, and ensure that our society remains a place of inclusivity and respect for all.”