NYC Bank Vandalized with Pro-Palestinian Graffiti; Hate Crime Probe Underway
Police are investigating the smashing of a Capital One bank's window and graffiti as a possible hate crime.
The window of a Capital One bank branch on Manhattan's Upper East Side was smashed, and its facade was defaced with red graffiti early Monday. The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded around 7:50 a.m. to the scene on East 86th Street near Second Avenue.
Photos of the incident show a large hole in the bank's glass windows, with red paint splattered across the front door. The graffiti appeared to read "PAL ACTION." Authorities indicated the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime by the NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force.
The phrase "PAL Action" is believed to be a reference to Palestine Action, a protest group that describes itself as being committed to ending global complicity with Israel. The group has been associated with acts of civil disobedience and property damage.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin condemned the vandalism, calling it "deeply disturbing and unacceptable." She stated, "I have been in contact with the NYPD regarding this incident and have urged an immediate investigation, including whether this is a potential antisemitic hate crime." Menin added, "There is no place for hate, intimidation or violence in New York City."
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and no injuries were reported.