12-year-old arrested by NY hate crime task force over anti-Semitic graffiti

Authorities in New York have arrested and reportedly charged a 12-year-old boy in connection with anti-Semitic graffiti found at a school.

The New York Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force made the arrest on Wednesday, ABC News reported.

The boy, who has not been identified, was charged with aggravated harassment, according to the network.

Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said in a tweet that the 12-year-old was processed as a juvenile and released to his family.

“No matter the face of hate, the NYPD, partnered with the community, has ZERO tolerance,” Shea said in another tweet.

On Fri, 2-22-19, anti-Semitic graffiti was found throughout a Queens playground. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force now have the suspect—a 12 year old male—in custody. Great job @NYPDHateCrimes No matter the face of hate, the NYPD, partnered with the community, has ZERO tolerance. pic.twitter.com/zfq5GIHiXa

— Chief Dermot F. Shea (@NYPDDetectives) February 28, 2019

The boy is suspected of drawing swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans like “Hail Hitler” and “No Jews allowed” in chalk on a schoolyard at P.S. 139 in Queens.

{mosads}The graffiti found was one of two anti-Semitic incidents New York police are investigating in recent days.

The NYPD task force is also looking into swastikas drawn in black marker on playground equipment in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood two days later.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) responded to the incidents earlier this week, saying he directed state police to aid in the investigations.

“We will do everything in our power to make sure the perpetrators of these vile acts are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.