Police investigating vandalized gravestones at Fall River Cemetery

March 19, 2019 10:46 am

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) – Police are investigating after a Jewish cemetery in Fall River was vandalized over the weekend.

Fall River Police responded to the Hebrew Cemetery on McMahon Street around 1:30 p.m. Sunday for reports by a cemetery maintenance worker of gravestones damaged and vandalized with Anti-Semitic messages and symbols.

Police later with spoke with a resident who lived next door to the cemetery who reported seeing a suspicious vehicle parked in the cemetery on two separate occasions.

According to Police, approximately 25 gravestones were marked with Anti-Semitic words, phrases, or symbols using a black marker. Some gravestones were pushed over entirely.

Laurence K. Richmond, President of the Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts, condemned the act of hateful vandalism.

“We stand by the Fall River Jewish Community and
view this recent incident as another reminder that we all need to be vigilant and
proactive in fighting hate,” said Richmond, “We are confident the investigation is in good and experienced
hands with local law enforcement.”

Police are conducting a full search of the cemetery to identify all incidences of vandalism. Fall River Police are offering a reward for information leading to the apprehension of a culprit. The Anti-Defamation League has also offered $1500 for actionable information.

The incident is under investigation by Fall River Major Crimes Division. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Fall River Police at 508-324- 2796. Anonymous tips can be reported by calling 508-672-TIPS.