BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Many in the Los Alamos community are reacting strongly to a photo posted earlier this week in the Los Alamos Daily Post depicting a swastika that was painted on the White Rock rock. The caption indicated that the photo had been submitted by a reader because “the sight of the swastika was making them feel sick and they wanted the community to be aware of what someone had done”.
Reports from community members over the last two days indicate that in addition to what the photo showed, there were more swastikas on the other sides of the rock and that the word “Nazi” was also seen. The rock was reportedly quickly painted grey not long after what many are calling “hate speech” was painted over.
The Reporter reached out to Los Alamos Police Department on Wednesday to ask if the incident was being investigated and if there was video of the painter available from nearby surveillance cameras. LAPD reported that the rock had been painted over and that because the painting of the graffiti although offensive is not a crime it would not be investigated by LAPD. It was suggested that further coverage of the incident could trigger more hateful content.
On Thursday, the Reporter spoke with local Rabbi Jack Shlachter about the incident. He said many people from the non-Jew community have reached out to him to express their outrage and sadness about the what had been painted on the rock. He added that the town has been rallying with support and showing its respect for the Jewish community. Late Thursday evening Rabbi Shlachter sent a column to both local newspapers expressing his views. (https://losalamosreporter.com/2024/05/02/a-thank-you-letter-to-the-person-who-painted-the-swastika-on-the-rock-in-white-rock/). He confirmed that some in the local Jewish community had expressed that they felt hurt and fearful for their safety in light of the aftermath of October 7 and the emergence of the message on the rock.
The Reporter discussed the situation Friday with Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone. Asked if LAPD knew who put the content on the rock what action would be taken, Chief Sgambellone said absent further information no action would be taken. He said LAPD has not reviewed any video footage that might determine if this incident involved one person or more than one person. He also said LAPD does not regulate the content of the rock.
“Our vision is to be free from crime and the fear of crime. This incident has the potential to instill fear in members of the community, which is concerning to us. We ask that the community call us when witnessing suspicious behavior that contributes to fear within the community. We are being proactive by maintaining a dialogue with citizens and community partners on matters that may impact public safety,”” Chief Sgambellone said.