Astorino Responds to Graffiti Found on Bronx River Bike Path Nov. 14, 2016 - Reacting to anti-Semitic and anti-black graffiti scrawled along the Bronx River bike path in White Plains, County Executive Robert P. Astorino made it clear today that hate speech has no place in Westchester.

“Bigotry in any of its forms will not be tolerated in Westchester,” said Astorino, who was joined by James Castro-Blanco, the executive director of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, and George Longworth, commissioner of the Westchester County Police, at a press conference at the scene of the vandalism just south of the Metro North train station. “This type of activity is criminal and will be prosecuted.”

The Westchester County police received a report around 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, about the graffiti. The footpath and bridge were defaced with spray-painted scrawling, which included a swastika, the initials, KKK, and various racial slurs.

All of the graffiti is currently being removed by the county. A police investigation is underway, and Astorino has directed Commissioner Longworth to place additional resources and surveillance in all public areas owned by the county, including more inspections of county trail ways and bike paths.

With the presidential election now over, Astorino said it was important for all sides to now come together to strengthen our nation.

“That starts with respect, and as County Executive, I want everyone to know county government will remain vigilant in its efforts to ensure that the rights, dignity and safety of all our people are protected every day.”

Astorino encouraged anyone who feels they have been the victim of discrimination to contact the county’s Human Rights Commission at (914) 995-9500 or go to www.westchestergov.com/humanrights.