Police are currently investigating a series of racist graffiti acts across southwest Madison in recent weeks.
The graffiti, which included swastikas and the words “White Power,” was spray-painted on a utility trailer, at least one home and also appeared on fences and property near an elementary school on the southwest side around Firsch Road in recent weeks.
According to police, an investigating officer said it does not appear specific people were targeted, but more likely “the general area.”
Ald. Lisa Subek, District 1, said the Madison Police Department is doing everything they can to find who is responsible and take appropriate disciplinary action.
According to Ald. Matt Phair, District 20, police do not suspect the racist graffiti to be gang-affiliated but remain unsure of who committed the crime or why it was committed.
City alders, police and Madison residents collectively responded to the graffiti last week and organized a vigil to enforce the neighborhood’s feelings of empowerment and togetherness.
Hundreds of Madison residents gathered to condemn the acts at the Nov. 22 vigil, which Subek said had “an atmosphere of togetherness.”
“Neighborhoods from the Southwest neighborhood came together to take a stand,” Subek said. “There was a feeling of togetherness and empowerment which is important because people wanted to take control of the neighborhood.”
Rather than city officials or police, neighborhood residents organized the community vigil, which Phair said was good example of a neighborhood coming together to respond to a “divisive action.”
