The discovery of a swastika spraypainted on a campaign sign has prompted a police investigation this week in the Town of Newburgh.
The Newburgh Democratic Committee says a sign belonging to town supervisor candidate Scott Manley was found vandalized Wednesday morning on Lakeside Road near Orange Lake.
Manley, who is Jewish, called the incident disgusting, noting that he lost more than 200 relatives to the Holocaust.
Other local political figures have publicly condemned the vandalism, including fellow candidate Stephen Krasner.
“Defacing any political sign with a swastika is vile and reprehensible, regardless of
political affiliation,” he said in a social media post. “Antisemitism and hatred have absolutely no place in our community.”
“We strongly condemn this behavior. This is a hate crime. Not a campaign tactic. With
just seven days remaining before Election Day, emotions may run high, but that is never
an excuse for hate or intimidation,” said Town of Newburgh Democratic Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Knox.
Manley confirmed that town police are looking into the incident. As of Thursday morning, no information is available about the investigation or potential suspects.