On Monday afternoon, May 18, shortly before 3:30 p.m., a hate crime was reported along 99th Street in Rego Park, where multiple swastikas were found marked on private property and nearby public spaces.
According to video surveillance reviewed at the scene, three teenagers were seen vandalizing a home and a city sign before moving to another property. There, they marked multiple swastikas in white spray chalk on a tree, the sidewalk in front of the tree, and the brickwork of the property.
I responded to the scene on behalf of Queens Shmira, where members assisted in documenting the vandalism, working with the affected homeowners, reviewing surveillance footage, and coordinating information with law enforcement. The incident prompted immediate concern among local residents, particularly amid recent reports of antisemitic graffiti and hateful vandalism in parts of Queens.
The NYPD 112th Precinct Community Affairs Unit responded immediately, with Captain Daniel Fennessy also present at the scene. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force was notified as part of the effort to identify those responsible.
In the aftermath of the incident, residents in the area were encouraged to review home security, doorbell, and dashcam footage from Monday afternoon, especially cameras facing 99th Street, nearby sidewalks, driveways, trees, city signs, and intersections. Even a partial image of clothing, a backpack, a bicycle, a scooter, or a direction of travel may help investigators establish a clearer timeline.
Community members are also urged to make sure their surveillance systems are working properly before an emergency occurs. Camera dates and times should be accurate, footage should be saved before it is automatically overwritten, and important clips should be downloaded or backed up immediately. Residents should also check that exterior cameras are clean, unobstructed, properly angled, and able to capture clear images at night.
When preserving footage, homeowners should save several minutes before and after the incident, not only the exact moment of vandalism. Suspects may appear earlier while approaching the area or later while leaving the scene. Residents should also avoid posting sensitive footage online before sharing it with law enforcement, as premature public circulation can complicate an active investigation.
Anyone with relevant video, photos, or information from the area of 99th Street in Rego Park is urged to contact the NYPD 112th Precinct, NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or the Queens Shmira 24/7 hotline at 718-329-4444. The incident remains under investigation.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
