Natick Leaders Issue Statement on Swastika Painted at Train Station

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NATICK – A swastika was found spray painted at the West Natick Train Station.

SOURCE reached out to Natick Select Board members for a statement this morning.

At 4:45 p.m. a written statement was issued by Town Administrator James Errickson and Chair of the Select Board Bruce Evans.

“The Town of Natick & the Select Board are formally and firmly making a joint statement against any and all hate crimes. Late on Thursday April 20, 2023, the Natick Police Department identified an anti-Semitic hate crime (vandalism) near the West Natick MBTA Station.

“Natick unequivocally opposes all acts of hate, prejudice, intolerance or discrimination against all peoples,” stated Select Board Chair Bruce Evans. “These moments serve as a harsh reminder that we must stand vigilant as a community and continue to make progress via greater education and community outreach. I make this next statement on behalf of the Select Board, Town staff, and all who associate with Natick, this act is in full opposition to the morality & convictions of a Town fully committed to acceptance & belonging. As an important part of that, we are in the process of hiring a Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Outreach.”

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Evans further expanded, “In light of the recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents both nationwide and locally, I want to extend my thoughts and solidarity to the Jewish community. We’re not immune from despicable acts like this any more than any other community around the world, and we must stand in solidarity and make every attempt to better educate ourselves, in hopes that the next hateful incident is prevented. A silver lining did arise from this incident. As our Town staff approached the scene to remove this hateful act, it came to our attention that residents had already rallied to ‘combat’ this act with beautiful chalk artwork drawn atop this hateful imagery and blotting it out. Thank you to all Natick residents who stand alongside myself, the Select Board, and Town staff.”

Town staff will leave the chalk artwork in place through Monday 4/24/23, returning to the site on Monday 4/24/23 to permanently paint over the hateful imagery.

This matter is an active Natick Police Department (NPD) investigation and the NPD will notify the public of any material updates to the investigation.

Transit Police issued a statement earlier today.

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