NEW YORK (VINnews) — Police have taken two suspects into custody in connection with a series of antisemitic vandalism incidents at a Brooklyn playground that was defaced with swastikas multiple times this week, authorities and community groups said Thursday.
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The arrests stem from graffiti discovered at Gravesend Park, located in the Borough Park area, a neighborhood with a large Orthodox Jewish population. The vandalism appeared in two separate incidents, with dozens of swastikas painted on playground equipment, walkways and nearby surfaces.
Update: the 2nd culprit was taken into custody moments ago. Thank you to our #Shomrim's intelligence team & @NYPDHateCrimes. #GravesendPark https://t.co/iQxqCzczFp
— (@BPShomrim) January 22, 2026
The New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force led the investigation. Police initially took one suspect into custody earlier in the day, and a second suspect was arrested hours later, according to the Boro Park Shomrim, a volunteer neighborhood safety organization that assisted police.
Shomrim credited coordination between its intelligence team, the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force and officers from the 66th Precinct for the swift arrests. Police have not released details about the suspects or potential charges, citing the ongoing investigation.
We're yet again at Gravesend Park with @NYPD66Pct and @BPShomrim where the walkways and play equipment were littered with swastikas. These sick individuals need to find out that actions have consequences. @NYPDHateCrimes is investigating. Hopefully justice will be served swiftly. pic.twitter.com/UriRDE9lUe
— Community Board 12 (@BrooklynCB12) January 20, 2026
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin visited the park Thursday following the arrests, meeting with community members and condemning the vandalism as a hate-filled attack on families and children who use the playground.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani also denounced the incidents, saying antisemitism has no place in New York City and pledging full accountability.
Community Board 12 said the repeated vandalism deeply unsettled residents, particularly because the park is heavily used by children. City crews removed the graffiti, and police increased patrols in the area as the investigation continues.
Council Speaker Julie Menin visited today the Gravesend Park playground in Borough Park which was vandalized with swastikas twice this week. pic.twitter.com/blZtsRB38S
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) January 22, 2026
A couple of years ago right on the corner of 18 Ave and 58 street 7 African savages we’re mugging/ beating a young special needs person I intervened and they left the victim and attacked me (that was my goal) I fought back with the ringleader btw no one came to help me only videoing the incident when pd finally showed up the subhuman was yelling at me Hitler this Hitler that they detained him the Sargent told me he’s hands are tied and he’s going to let him go btw the low life s were students at FDR
Had it not been for VIN, I would not know this happened. Thank you again,
VIN.
FDR high school thugs
Than you Mayor Mamdani!
What a quick response!
was simcha felder there? doesnt he represent boro park?
Remember the day after Mamdani won the elections there was a swastika painted nearby & then it was found to be a black hat bucher…… shomrim & greenfeld Felder shoved it under the rug. Creditability lost