Hate Crime: N-Word Spray-Painted on New Jersey Street, Community Responds

Vandalism and Hate Speech

• 📍 A message of hate, specifically the N-word, was spray-painted on a street in Hillside, New Jersey.
• 🔍 The incident occurred on Raa and Jama Hardy Street, directly across from the home of the Hardy family.
• ⚠️ The racial slur was discovered by someone walking to a synagogue on a Saturday morning.

Police Investigation and Community Response

• 🚓 Police are investigating the act as a bias-related criminal mischief incident.
• 🗣️ Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
• 📹 Investigators reportedly have video evidence that may aid in the investigation.
• 🥫 A spray can was found abandoned in bushes around the corner, which is being examined as evidence.

Impact on Residents and Support

• 💔 The Hardy family expressed shock and being lost for words upon seeing the hateful message.
• 🤝 Despite the incident, the couple feels overwhelmed by the support from their diverse neighbors.
• 💪 They stated their determination not to let the act break them down, emphasizing that Hillside remains their home.
• 😔 The Hardys noted the sadness of still dealing with such hate in 2025.

Cleanup Efforts

• 🧼 Firefighters attempted to remove the paint with a hose but were unsuccessful in fully cleaning it.
• 🛠️ The Department of Public Works (DPW) is working to remove the residue from the asphalt.