A campaign poster for Newark At-Large Councilman Luis Quintana and North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos was spray-painted with a hate symbol on Thursday.
A swastika was spray-painted on the campaign poster of a longtime Newark councilman, who called the act “horrible” and “a message of hate” on the eve of the Easter holiday weekend.
Newark Police are investigating the defaced campaign banner as a bias crime and released photos of a suspect seen walking in a hooded sweatshirt.
“We can’t live on hate because of whatever beliefs we may have or political affiliations we have,” At-Large Councilman Luis Quintana told NJ Advance Media on Sunday. “We must have respect for every person.”
Newark Police released images of the suspect believed to be involved in the bias incident. (Courtesy: Newark Police)The poster, hung on 400 block of Broadway in the North Ward, pictured Quintana and North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr., urging residents to vote in the May 8 elections. Both are seeking re-election to their seats on Mayor Ras Baraka’s slate.
But on Thursday, a blue swastika was painted over Quintana’s face and Ramos’ photo had also been defaced. The sign hangs about a block away from Quintana’s office.
“I was very upset about it,” said Quintana, who said he’s never had this happen to a campaign poster. He was first elected in 1994. “I hope there’s some justice.”
A total of 39 candidates have been certified for the city’s elections — in which all nine council seats and the mayor’s term are up.
“It is unfortunate that someone would deface a legally placed campaign sign with a symbol of hatred,” Ramos said. “I have confidence in the authorities in their investigation of this incident.”
Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said the incident remained under investigation.
Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.