Rep. Pappas campaign signs hit with antisemitic symbols in Dover; police investigate

DOVER — The Dover Police Department is investigating antisemitic hate symbols spray-painted on four Congressman Chris Pappas campaign signs. Police believe the incident occurred late Friday into Saturday.

Lt. Matthew Harnish said police received an anonymous tip Saturday that the four signs, three located along the 100 block of Central Avenue and one in the vicinity of Locust Street, had been defaced with black spray-painted antisemitic symbols.

Police do not have a suspect.

"[We are] looking to identify any pertinent surveillance," Harnish said.

He said police have been in touch with the Pappas campaign, along with the New Hampshire attorney general's Civil Rights Unit, as "with crimes of this nature" they contact the office at the state level.

Rep. Pappas, D-New Hampshire, condemned the antisemitic symbols and praised the Dover police response with a post on X on Monday afternoon.

"Our team is deeply saddened to see these hateful, antisemitic symbols used to deface our signs. Hatred, racism, and antisemitism have absolutely no place in our communities. I am grateful to Dover PD for their quick and thorough response to these acts as they work to ensure those responsible are held accountable. I condemn all antisemitic hate in the strongest possible terms, and I will continue to stand with Jewish communities in New Hampshire and across the county. Today and every day, we must stand together against hate and bigotry in all its forms," Pappas posted on X.

Dover police ask anyone with information to call the department at (603)-742-4646, or report tips anonymously to Dover Crimeline at (603)-749-6000 or via dovernhcrimeline.org .

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Rep. Pappas campaign signs hit with antisemitic symbols in Dover; police investigate