Hartford police are investigating after pro-Palestinian messages were spray-painted on several prominent downtown buildings.
The messages, written in red, were spray-painted on the side of the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art, 20 Front Street, the Gold Building, and the Travelers Tower, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert, police spokesperson.
The vandalism included messages that read “F*** Xmas,” “Intifada Revolution,” “Free Gaza,” and “Blumenthal supports genocide.” Intifada is a term phrase associated with violent Palestinian uprisings against Israeli control.
Police say three females were captured on video spray-painting on buildings, sidewalks, and retaining walls in the area of the vandalism between 8:49 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. Wednesday night.
“It doesn’t look like a hate crime at this point,” said Lt. Aaron Boisvert, HPD spokesperson. “It looks more like a political message.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hartford Police Department at 860-757-4000 or the tip line at 860-522 TIPS.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com