Statements from Cox, Stefanik, Lawler

ALBANY - Less than two weeks after an initial act of vandalism that included swastikas, New York State Republican Party headquarters has been vandalized a second time, again with reference to Nazis.

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement in response:

“Republican Party headquarters has been defaced with Nazi imagery for the second time in two weeks. This hateful vandalism invites political violence and threatens the wellbeing of our employees and guests.

“We appreciate Governor Hochul’s condemnation of the initial act of vandalism. Chuck Schumer, with his constant demagoguery and past calls to political violence and AOC, with her present ‘Fight the Oligarchy’ tour, are fueling a climate of hostility that emboldens such hateful actors. They must immediately call on their supporters to reject political violence and restore civility to our discourse.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Albany Police Department and Albany County District Attorney’s office, both of whom are giving this matter its due consideration. We look forward to the perpetrators being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

House Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik stated:

“The vile and hateful defacement of the New York Republican Party Headquarters with Nazi imagery for the second time in just two weeks is a disgusting criminal act and a direct threat to the hardworking staff of the New York Republican Party.

“This was not a random act of vandalism-it was an escalation of political hatred deliberately aimed at intimidating Republicans and silencing our voices.

“I stand in full solidarity with the NYGOP and all those who reject political violence. We must ensure the perpetrator of this heinous crime is swiftly identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“I am grateful to the Albany Police Department and the Albany County District Attorney’s office for treating this matter with the seriousness it demands.

“We must never tolerate political violence, regardless of the target. It’s time to restore respect, dialogue, and decency to our political discourse.” 

Congressman Mike Lawler stated:

“The growing calls for political violence we’re seeing around the country are being fueled by Democrats like Chuck Schumer, JB Pritzker, Federica Wilson, and others, who have used reckless rhetoric and actions, calling for Republicans to ‘not know a moment of peace,’ saying Republicans are ‘traitors,’ sending paid far-left activists to disrupt events, and creating a climate of hostility that emboldens and encourages these acts. Any form of political violence or intimidation is unacceptable, and the perpetrators must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”