Homophobic Graffiti Found Outside Legislators' Office For The Third Time

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A third anti-Obama, homophobic graffiti was discovered on the outer walls of the Astoria building that houses the offices of Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, according to a Monday press release from the Senator's office.

The graffiti read, "Obama f----t," same as the ones found in the past two weeks. Following the third incident, the NYPD has decided to increase patrol around the building located at 31-19 Newtown Ave.

“It is clear this bigot is trying send a message of intolerance to our community, but it will not work. I am confident the NYPD will apprehend the person committing these disturbing acts and I am thankful for their continued efforts," said Gianaris. "It will take more than a bigot with a magic marker to stop me from fighting for the values of tolerance and inclusiveness.”

Both Assemblymember Simotas and Senator Gianaris have been working against Trump's policies to ensure the safety of all Queens residents regardless of legal status.

Senator Gianaris recently introduced a legislation that would prohibit the Port Authority, which protects New York airports, from using any of its resources to enforce the Muslim travel ban. The Senator also introduced a legislation that would add immigration status to the list of individuals protected under the state's Human Rights and Civil Right Laws.

Senator Gianaris tweeted regarding the third instance of graffiti:

“Anti-gay graffiti is a despicable crime that threatens people’s sense of safety. It’s also a completely useless act because it will not stop me or other Western Queens legislators from fighting discrimination and standing up for the rights of all residents, whatever their backgrounds or sexual orientation," said Simotas. "Our efforts will not be stopped, but the perpetrator will be."

She also tweeted about the third graffiti:

NYPD's 114th Precinct also released surveillance footage showing the suspect walking away from the scene after the second incident, which took place on March 20.

The suspect is a 30-40-year-old, light-skinned Hispanic or white, left-handed male, according to the press release from Senator Gianaris's office.

Investigation by the NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

Image courtesy of Senator Gianaris's office