UPDATED: CSX & MWRA Says Nazi Flag Painted on Railway Bridge in Framingham Has Been Removed

Editor’s Note: This report has been updated. Last updated at12:07 p.m. with statement from CSX

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FRAMINGHAM – A Nazi flag that was spray painted on a CSX railway bridge in Framingham, has been removed said a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) to SOURCE just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13.

The flag was spray painted on the CSX bridge located over the Foss Reservoir, which is maintained by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority.

The bridge is visible from the Mass Pike, according to the Framingham resident who took the photo.

It is unknown how long the swastika flag has been spray painted on the bridge, but the news outlet was made aware of it on July 12.

A CSX spokesperson confirmed the hate was removed from their property this morning, July 13.

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SOURCE yesterday, July 12, reached out to the Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, MWRA, and CSX for a statement on when the swastika will be removed.

“It is disgusting. The City has reached out to CSX to have it removed immediately. We can not do it, as it is their property and along an active railway,” said Mayor Sisitsky.

“But there needs to be a bigger conversation in this community about this hate,” said the Mayor, who said he was just made aware of the hate graffiti this afternoon.

A spokesperson for the MWRA just after 6 a.m. on July 13, said “Thanks so much for telling us about this. It looks like it may be on CSX property. We will work with them this morning to get it down.”

What also needs to be addressed is youths jumping from that bridge into the reservoir.

The last time the reservoir was drained there was a vehicle and lots of other junk at the bottom.

Jumping from the bridge into the reservoir is trespassing, but also dangerous.

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CSX issued this statement today, July 13 to SOURCE ” Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our bridge department has been notified and will remove the (rest of the) graffiti Friday morning. CSX condemns in the strongest terms not only the violence directed toward individuals based on race, religion or ethnicity, but also the intolerance that sows hatred and undermines America’s greatest strength — our diversity. CSX is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and equity throughout our company and in communities where we operate.”

“CSX would also like to remind the public that being on railroad property or spray painting graffiti on rail equipment and on any structures, including bridges, near train tracks is both illegal and very dangerous. This activity involves criminal trespassing and defacing privately owned property. CSX takes criminal activity very seriously and works with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for acts of vandalism. CSX is committed to protecting the safety of its property and that of its customers. We ask the local community to call 1-800-232-0144 or local law enforcement if you see suspicious activity.”

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