12-year-old arrested for drawing dozens of swastikas on NYC playground

Swastika on a wall (illustrative) (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Swastika on a wall (illustrative)
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)

A 12-year-old boy was arrested for drawing dozens of swastikas and antisemitic messages on a school playground in New York City.

The boy was charged Wednesday with aggravated harassment for the symbols and messages including “Hail Hitler” and “No Jews allowed,” according to reports. He was released to the custody of his mother and will appear in court at a later date. The boy’s name was not released.

The chalk drawings at P.S. 139 in Rego Park, in the borough of Queens, were discovered Friday by the custodian, according to reports. School was not in session, but the playground was open to the public.

“Truly unbelievable. I am shocked that a 12-year-old committed this crime,” New York City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, who represents the area, tweeted Wednesday night. “It’s completely unacceptable and has no place in our society.”