Hate-filled flyers littered over 100 Albany cars Thursday July 27th, prompting a police report and call to the Department of Justice. The messages include Islamophobic, anti-LGBTQ+ and antisemitic sentiments.

The flyers contain about 13 variations of hate filled messages depicting graphic images and Islamophobic, anti-LGBTQ+, antisemitic and anti-Ukrainian sentiments.

The constituent, who wishes to remain anonymous, saw the distributer of the flyers and chose not to engage with them over fear of endangerment. Photos of the individual were taken and sent to Albany police.

After doing research on the flyers and looking at where information was attributed, police believe the flyers came from a hate group in Ashland; the person distributing the flyers also had out-of-state license plates.

A police report was filed, citing the event as a “Bias Incident” or hate speech, said Albany Police Chief Marcia Harnden in an email. Both the state and Albany Police recognize incidents with hate speech as bias incidents, she said.

Albany police posted vehicle information on social media in attempt to identify the person and there is a bias liaison officer who takes the responsibility of following up with the Oregon Department of Justice and conducts follow ups and resources if needed.