On August 22nd, graffiti appeared on the pedestrian walkway of the Kosciuszko Bridge in New York, targeting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) with the words “Death to All ICE Agents.” Councilman Robert Holden of the 30th district released a statement strongly condemning the graffiti and warning that such dangerous rhetoric could ultimately lead to tragedy.
Holden took to Facebook to express that the graffiti went beyond the boundaries of freedom of speech, calling it a “violent threat against law enforcement officers.” He stated, “This is not freedom of speech, but incitement to violence against law enforcement. The dangerous rhetoric we hear from politicians can fuel this phenomenon, which may ultimately lead to tragedy. I have notified the Mayor’s office, the NYPD, the Department of Transportation, and Congresswoman Malliotakis.”
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) noted that DOT staff arrived at the scene on Monday morning to clean and repaint the area. However, the graffiti had already been covered up before their team arrived.
Holden emphasized that this incident highlighted the increasingly serious issue of anti-law enforcement rhetoric in society, urging all sectors of society to reject hatred and avoid transforming dangerous language into violent actions.
Congresswoman Malliotakis released a statement saying that she is urging local and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Kosciuszko Bridge connects Brooklyn and Queens, spanning the Newtown Creek in New York City.