Surveillance footage obtained by The Post revealed two hooded and masked vandals attempting to destroy Rep. Adriano Espaillat’s Washington Heights office. The footage showed the vandals lifting a roller door and hammering at the glass windows before spray painting the area with red paint. The words “FREE GAZA” were left on the sidewalk. Congressman Espaillat, who has been targeted before over his support for the Jewish community, expressed shock at the incident and condemned the violent act. Police and Espaillat confirmed that as many as four suspects were involved in the vandalism, but the footage only captured two individuals. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, and it was reported around 4:15 a.m. despite occurring at around 3 a.m. Espaillat and his staff worked to clean up the office, but the incident had left the staff shaken.
The attack on Espaillat’s office was not an isolated incident, as the location had been previously spray-painted by a vandal on Sept 27. The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating both cases. The vandalism occurred in the context of pro-terror protests in Manhattan, where thousands of people gathered in support of Hamas terrorists who had attacked Israel. One group, led by the anti-Israel organization Within Our Lifetime, started on Wall Street and grew to about 2,000 people. Another group of protestors gathered in Washington Square Park before migrating uptown. Throughout the day, seven anti-Israel protesters were arrested during demonstrations in Manhattan, with one individual accused of kicking an NYPD captain in the chest. Of the seven arrested, two were released with summonses, while five faced charges requiring court arraignments.
Congressman Espaillat had anticipated being a target for anti-Israel groups protesting on Oct 7, as he had been named on a flyer. Despite his efforts to speak out for peace, justice, and a solution to the conflict, he was met with violence and vandalism. Espaillat has been an advocate for students attacked by anti-Israel groups and was deeply disappointed by the destructive actions taken against his office. The attack on his office left his staff shaken, but they worked tirelessly to clean up the mess. The incident was the second attack on the Washington Heights office and was particularly distressing given its proximity to the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorists’ attack on Israel, which resulted in the death of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 250 hostages, with 97 still being held captive in Gaza.
Espaillat’s condemnation of the violence and vandalism reflects a broader concern over the rise of anti-Israel sentiments and actions in the current political climate. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for peace, justice, and dialogue in addressing conflicts rather than resorting to destructive and violent means. The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force’s investigation into the incident highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Espaillat’s continued advocacy for his constituents and the Jewish community, despite being targeted by hate groups, demonstrates his strength and commitment to standing up against bigotry and violence. As the investigation into the vandalism continues, it is essential to address the root causes of such actions and work towards building a more inclusive and peaceful society for all.
