Joint Statement from Mayor Kim Driscoll and Police Chief Lucas Miller Following Swastika Incident in Salem

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CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Kimberley Driscoll

Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dominick Pangallo

Chief of Staff

Office of Mayor Kimberley Driscoll

City of Salem
(978) 619-5600

dpangallo@salem.com

Joint Statement from Mayor Kim Driscoll and Police Chief Lucas Miller Following Swastika Incident in Salem

SALEM, MA – This morning the City received a report of a large sticker with a swastika and threatening language was placed on a Fire Alarm box on Essex Street between the Salem Public Library and downtown. The Salem Police Department takes this incident very seriously and is conducting a robust investigation to determine who is responsible. Anyone with information or who may have been in this area in the last 24 hours and witnessed suspicious activity are asked to contact the Police Department at 978-744-1212. Individuals who identify offensive or dangerous graffiti, including stickers, should contact the Police Department immediately to report it and not remove it until police can suitably document it. Police or public works will remove it after it has been documented.

“The City strongly condemns this heinous act. This incident is evidence that no community, even one as welcoming as Salem, is immune from hatred. We must remain ever vigilant in denouncing these acts and in supporting efforts to combat bigotry and hatred. In Salem, we strive to be an inclusive community and to educate and advocate with others to this important goal. We must be tireless in our efforts to bridge our differences and continue to support each other within the diverse community that we are all fortunate enough to call home.”

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