Black Man's Car Vandalized with Racist & Anti-Islamic Messages in Watertown (NY)
/An act of vandalism and a hateful message left on the vehicle of a black Muslim immigrant have left a Watertown man shaken and have prompted what a state agency says may be the Watertown Police Department’s first investigation of a hate crime in five years.
The vehicle of Issa Alzouma, a native of Niger who has lived in the city for about three years, was damaged at his home early Saturday.
The truck, a 2003 Chevrolet Avanlanche, sustained about $3,200 worth of damage, according to Mr. Alzouma. The truck’s windshield was shattered and the front- and back-seat windows on the driver’s side were smashed.
A note containing racial slurs written in marker was tucked under the car’s windshield wipers.
“U (expletive) (racial slur) I know where u work too!!! U better watch your back!!!” the note said, according to a transcript in a police report Mr. Alzouma showed the Times. “(Expletive) Muslim and (racial slur)! Quit your job or else.”
Since the incident, Mr. Alzouma has been on paid leave from his job with Securitas Security Systems at the Dulles State Office Building because of the nature of the threat.
On Tuesday, Watertown Police Detective Sgt. Joseph R. Donoghue said the department’s investigation was in its early stages, and part of its review is determining whether the incident is a hate crime.
