WESTPORT, CT (1010 WINS) – A snowman in Westport, discovered over the weekend with a swastika on it, raised concerns following a snowstorm in Connecticut, police said Tuesday.
The snowman, found in a Westport park on Feb. 9, had a swastika and apparent likenesses of Adolf Hitler, according to a statement posted on Facebook by the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut.
"The swastika is the symbol adopted by Hitler as the primary emblem of the Nazis,” the ADL said. “The Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it.”
The Westport Police Department was notified of the snowman by a local rabbi, who had been contacted by the individual who found it at the Newman Poses Preserve. The individual also alerted a local blog before the police were involved.
The next morning, Westport police launched an investigation and responded to where the snowman was located. However, by the time authorities arrived, no antisemitic symbols remained. The complainant later told police that after photographing the snowman at around 5:40 p.m., they removed the antisemitic symbols before leaving the site.
“At a time of rising hate and antisemitism, we call upon community leaders to speak out against this hate,” the ADL said. “Hate is not child's play."
An investigation is ongoing.
“This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community,” First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker said. “Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong. I will continue to lead with that goal as my North Star and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.”