Swastika Etched On A Snowman Found In Westport: ADL Connecticut

WESTPORT, CT — A snowman with a swastika was recently found at the Newman-Poses Preserve in Westport, according to the Connecticut chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, and the group is condemning the incident.

"We are deeply concerned about a snowman with a swastika and what appear to be other characteristics of Adolf Hitler found in a park in Westport, CT," ADL Connecticut wrote on Facebook. "The swastika is the symbol adopted by Hitler as the primary emblem of the Nazis. The Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropriate and offensive to make light of it."

In a statement, the Westport Police Department said the snowman was discovered on Sunday, and the person who found it, took a photo of it and removed the symbols before leaving the park. The department was contacted by a local rabbi about the discovery.

The Newman-Poses Preserve is a several-acre property in honor of the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman at 307-313 Bayberry Lane.

"The Westport Police Department is investigating the incident and asks anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident to contact the Westport Police Department at (203)341-6000," Lt. Eric Woods wrote. "Furthermore, we ask that incidents like this be reported immediately to the Police Department so they can be investigated in a timely manner."

Westport's state legislative delegation also denounced the incident.

After learning of the incident, the Westport Democratic Town Committee also said that like ADL Connecticut, it was condemning the incident "in the strongest of terms."

"At a time of rising hate and antisemitism, we call upon community leaders to speak out against this hate," ADL Connecticut wrote. "Hate is not child's play."

Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker also condemned the incident.

"This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community," Tooker said in statement. "Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong. I will continue to lead with that goal as my North Star and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard."