Man arrested for allegedly painting antisemitic graffiti on fencing across from Long Island elementary school

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly painting antisemitic graffiti on multiple fencing across from a Long Island elementary school, according to police.

A local resident in East Meadow, Hempstead, discovered graffiti along Merrick Avenue early Monday morning and reported it to the Nassau County Police Department.

After a thorough investigation, Sebastian Patino Caceres, 23, was arrested.

The messages, written in large letters across from Barnum Woods Elementary School, included "Free Palestine" slogans plastered on posters depicting hostages taken from Israel during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, according to a video by WCBS 880.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, joined with Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, held a press conference to denounce the graffiti and to reiterate the town’s zero-tolerance policy against all forms of hate.

“I am appalled that we are dealing with hate-filled vandalism here in the heart of suburbia,” Clavin said. “East Meadow is home to a thriving Jewish community and this brazen attack on the Jewish faith is disgusting. Every resident of every faith throughout the region should be concerned about the sentiment.”

Caceres was charged with seven counts of criminal mischief, criminal mischief, possession of graffiti instruments and seven counts of making graffiti.

“I am appalled,” Donnelly said. “I have never seen anything like this. When I walked up here past wall after wall of disgraceful messages I got more outraged at every moment. Hate crimes are not acceptable in our county.”

He will be arraigned on Tuesday.