The New York Republican Party’s headquarters in Albany has been defaced with Nazi imagery for the second time in two weeks, according to a statement posted Tuesday by the state GOP. The repeated attacks have sparked outrage from Republican leaders, who are calling for accountability and condemning what they describe as politically motivated intimidation.
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) denounced the acts as “vile and hateful,” calling the vandalism a “disgusting criminal act and a direct threat to the hardworking staff” at the headquarters. She warned that the targeting of GOP property is part of a broader pattern of escalating political hatred aimed at silencing conservative voices. “We must never tolerate political violence, regardless of the target,” Stefanik said.
New York GOP Chair Ed Cox echoed the condemnation, describing the attacks as an invitation to political violence. “Republican Party headquarters has been defaced with Nazi imagery for the second time in two weeks,” he said. “This hateful vandalism invites political violence and threatens the wellbeing of our employees and guests.”
Cox thanked Governor Kathy Hochul for condemning the first act but pointed to Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as contributors to the hostile political climate. “They must immediately call on their supporters to reject political violence and restore civility,” Cox stated.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) also criticized leading Democrats for fostering the rhetoric that emboldens extremist actions. He cited examples such as calls to “not let Republicans know a moment of peace” and labeling them “traitors,” which he said create a climate ripe for violence.
The Albany Police Department and Albany County District Attorney’s office are actively investigating the incidents.
