UPDATE April 28, 2023: The suspect, Loren Faulkner, behind an alleged string of hate-filled acts in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been brought up on 22 counts of civil rights violations.; more here.
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Authorities say they are investigating a series of hateful incidents of antisemitic vandalism that occurred overnight in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The New Hampshire Attorney General's office said the Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit and Portsmouth police are actively investigating at least 16 instances of swastikas and other hateful messages being drawn with red spray paint on properties around downtown Portsmouth, including a Jewish synagogue, somewhere around 2:30 a.m.
“This type of hateful and threatening criminal activity, motivated by racial or religious intolerance, particularly at places of worship, has no place in New Hampshire and will not be tolerated,” Attorney General John M. Formella said in a statement. “We will work to find and prosecute whoever is responsible, to the fullest extent of the law."
Police have released surveillance of the vandals.
16 swastikas.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) February 23, 2023
That’s how many symbols of hate this pair spray painted on a Synagogue and various other buildings in Portsmouth, NH earliest this week.
Anyone with tips is asked to please call (888) 562-5887 pic.twitter.com/nkJlnO4mnU
"The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office along with our local, State and Federal law enforcement partners encourage anyone with information to come forward," Formella added. "Our communities are safer and stronger when we all join together and have zero tolerance for violence motivated by hatred for our fellow citizens whether based on race, creed, or other protected characteristics."