In response to the recent sighting of white supremacist markings and imagery at the Valley Stream long Island Rail Road Station, Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages — Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus — released the following statement:

Unfortunately, there have been recent sightings of white supremacist markings and imagery at the Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road Station. Let me be clear, hate crimes and racial based harassment will never be tolerated in our state. We know how these occurrences work to divide communities and perpetuate cycles of violence and hatred.

I truly empathize with all the individuals that have been affected by these sorts of brazen acts of hate. I urge the Nassau County Police Department and Attorney General Tish James to commence a swift investigation into this matter. Moreover, I would advise residents who witness or experience threats, harassment, or violence based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation to call 1 (888) 392-3644 or file a civil rights complaint with the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

We are all New Yorkers, and considering the national events occurring today, now is the time to be united as a community and a nation.