MADISON (WKOW) — Madison leaders are responding after a local business was vandalized with what they say is Islamophobic graffiti.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, the city Common Council and the Madison Police Department said that the vandalism of Dubai Mediterranean Restaurant was the second report of hate-related crime in the city in 48 hours.
27 News is working to learn more about the other incident and has reached out to the Madison Police Department.
The leaders say that Madison is committed to being a city that protects speech, but “hate is not welcome here.”
City leaders pledged to investigate this incident and any others that harm the Madison community.
Rhodes-Conway said Madison must not give in to hate, ignorance or intimidation.
“No matter our background we must all come together to support each other, especially in moments of crisis,” she said.
Acting Council President Figueroa-Cole similarly condemned the vandalism, saying hate “must not take root” in the city.
MPD Chief Shon Barnes said the police department takes reported hate crimes seriously.
“We also believe that all residents and visitors of our community should have the right to feel safe on our streets, at their businesses, and in their homes,” he said. “I urge everyone to help us with that by reporting potential crimes of hate or bias to us immediately.”