By Charles Switzer
3:22am PDT, Apr 19, 2025
Swastikas Found on New York GOP Headquarters
On Thursday, April 17, the New York
GOP's Albany headquarters was defaced with swastikas in what party leaders and police are calling a "vile act of political hatred," the
New York Post reported.
The Nazi symbols were found taped to the doors and windows of the GOP building, with Albany police investigating the incident as a case of vandalism and political intimidation.
Here's everything known about the incident so far.
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GOP's Response to the Incident
New York GOP Chair Ed Cox condemned the act in a statement, calling it an attack on both the party and broader democratic values. "A vandal duct taped swastikas to our doors and windows – symbols of genocidal evil, meant to intimidate and silence. This is not only an attack on our party, it is also an attack on the values of civil discourse, democracy, and decency," he said.
The swastikas, printed on white paper, were taped to various spots on the building, including the door, windows and signage.
Another sheet read, "If this is not what you stand for, prove it."
Political Leaders Condemn the Vandalism
In the wake of the incident, several political figures, including state Democrats, condemned the vandalism.
NY Governor
Kathy Hochul described the act as "unacceptable," tweeting, "No one should ever resort to violence or vandalism to make a political point."
Similarly, Attorney General
Letitia James stated that New Yorkers must "reject these hateful acts," calling for a united stance against such actions. "Defacing any institution, across any political party, house of worship, or anywhere else with antisemitic hate or hate of any kind is wrong," James wrote on X, adding that all New Yorkers should reject such acts "to the fullest extent."
Calls for Full Prosecution
House Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik called for the individual responsible for the act to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"We must ensure that this vicious criminal who perpetrated this heinous crime is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Stefanik said, urging authorities to take swift and decisive action against the vandals.
Social Media Reacts
The incident has sparked a range of reactions on social media.
One user on X commented, "This is a clear
violation of free speech and democracy. It's essential for all of us, no matter our political views, to condemn such acts of hate."
Another stated, "This attack is a sad reminder of how divided we've become. This isn't about politics — it's about ensuring that hate has NO PLACE in our society."
