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Westport Investigating Fliers With Neo-Nazi Content Found In North Ave Area

WESTPORT, Conn. — Westport police are investigating the alarming discovery of about dozen racist fliers at homes in the North Avenue area over the weekend.  

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Westport Police Department

"We are aware of approximately 12 fliers. We do not believe anyone who received them is specifically being targeted," Westport Police Lt. David Farrell said Monday.

The fliers were distributed during the overnight hours and found early Sunday morning outside homes, police said. Police did not release many details about the content of the fliers or how they were delivered. 

"Once again, Westport residents have found fliers with disturbing messages in their driveways, in this case with neo-Nazi and white supremacist content. This latest incident comes almost two years to the day after disturbing fliers appeared in other parts of town," said a statement Monday from the Westport Police Department and First Selectman Jim Marpe.

The Westport Police Department is working with area police departments in an attempt to identify the source of the fliers. Anyone with information or questions should contact the Westport Detective Bureau at 203-341- 6080.

Related story: First Selectman Marpe Denounces Racist Fliers Found In Westport

“Not only do we want to keep our community safe, but we strive to also give peace of mind," Police Chief Foti Koskinas said. "When you combine the content of the flier and the nature in which this was done, we recognize the concern and alarm it may cause. We are working diligently to determine who is responsible, and look further into the motive.”

The Town of Westport is also working with the Connecticut region Anti-Defamation League "to identify possible sources, but also to seek ways to appropriately combat this type of threatening activity," the statement said.

Marpe referred to similar incidents nearly two years in town. In February, white supremacist fliers were also found in Norwalk, Weston and Wilton

“I am concerned and angry that once again statements like this have found their way to Westport homes. As I said two years ago, this kind of ethnic ugliness has no place anywhere, and certainly not in Westport," Marpe said. 

"I have always been proud to speak of Westport as an open and welcoming community. I continue to believe that the vast majority of Westporters practice tolerance, inclusion and everyday civil behavior. Unfortunately, the last few years and months have reminded us that our nation still needs to deal with some serious societal and behavioral issues. We are reminded that Westport is not necessarily immune from these issues.”

“Westport must not tolerate the threatening, bullying and hateful messages that are at the heart of these fliers. We must reinforce our commitment to civil discourse and to the tolerance for residents of all backgrounds. Regardless of the reasons behind these intolerant statements, we must create a political and social climate that rejects these kinds of statements out of hand and allows all opinions to be heard in an open and non-threatening manner.“

“I have asked that TEAM Westport work with the Interfaith Clergy and other appropriate town agencies and civic groups to lead our community's response to these outrageous statements and, as importantly, how to deal with the behaviors and beliefs that underpin them.”

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