Police are investigating after Nazi swastikas were spray-painted on street signs and sidewalks in Waukegan, which a senator called an act of “intimidation and hate” that has no place in the community.
Residents reported on Saturday that a person or people had been painting blue swastikas on public signage around Waukegan.
The symbols were spray-painted on speed limit and road signage, as well as sidewalks, in the area of Sheridan Road and Miraflores Avenue and further south near Bowen Park.
The city was notified and responded earlier this week to clean the paint off in the public areas.
Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson said she was “deeply appalled and disturbed” by the appearance of the Nazi swastikas, symbols of hate and white supremacy.
“This is more than random vandalism. This is an act of intimidation and hate, and hate has absolutely no place in our community,” Johnson said.
The state senator said she was working with local authorities and state partners to ensure that the incident is “investigated fully and treated with the urgency it demands.”
Hate crimes will not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable. We must all remain vigilant and united in the face of hate,” Johnson said.
The Waukegan Police Department has not released any information on the case as of Thursday.
A city official confirmed on Thursday that the incident remained under investigation. No arrests had been announced.
“Hopefully, the individual(s) will be identified and charged promptly. When fascists are seizing power, their authoritarian supporters are emboldened to commit this sort of vandalism,” said Ken Swanson, a Waukegan resident.
Anyone who wishes to report an act of hate can call 877-458-4283 on Monday through Friday between the hours of 12-9 p.m.
The line is a state-run confidential service that provides support and resources to people and communities affected by hate.