Two 15-year-old boys were arrested after dozens of swastikas were spray-painted at Gravesend Park in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Police found about 16 swastikas on Monday and roughly 57 more on Wednesday, along with the words "Adolf Hitler." Both juveniles face aggravated harassment charges and one faces an additional criminal mischief hate-crime charge. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating while elected officials condemned the vandalism.
Dozens Of Swastikas Spray-Painted At Borough Park Playground — Two 15-Year-Olds Arrested
Tape sections off a playground in Brooklyn, New York, on January 22 after it was painted with dozens of swastikas. - WABC
Two 15-year-old boys were arrested Thursday after dozens of swastikas were discovered painted at Gravesend Park, a playground in Borough Park, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, the New York Police Department said.
What Happened
Officers first responded on Monday to a report at Gravesend Park and found roughly 16 red swastikas painted on slides, walls and pavement. After a second report on Wednesday, police discovered about 57 additional swastikas drawn in red, blue and yellow. The words "Adolf Hitler" were also painted at the site, authorities said.
Charges And Investigation
The NYPD said both juveniles face aggravated harassment charges; one of the teens also faces an additional criminal mischief charge classified as a hate crime. The department's Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation into both incidents.
Community Response And Context
Brooklyn Community Board 12 posted photographs of the vandalism on social media to document the graffiti on children's play equipment and surrounding surfaces. Local and state leaders condemned the attacks and vowed investigations.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani: "I am sickened by this antisemitic vandalism in Borough Park. Antisemitism has no place in our city, and I stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish New Yorkers who were targeted."
Governor Kathy Hochul: "A depraved act of antisemitism. In a children's playground where our kids should feel safe and have fun. There is no excuse. There is zero tolerance."
Officials noted the vandalism comes amid a broader increase in reported antisemitic incidents, particularly since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. According to NYPD data, New York City recorded 576 hate crime incidents last year, with roughly 330 of those targeting Jewish people.
Neighborhood Background: Borough Park is home to a large Jewish population; a 2023 study by the UJA-Federation of New York estimates about 46,000 Jewish adults and 50,000 Jewish children live in the area, with approximately 45% of households including a Jewish resident.
Next Steps: The NYPD continues its inquiry, and city and state agencies have offered assistance to identify those responsible and pursue appropriate charges.
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