A Florida sheriff’s office is investigating after several swastikas were found painted on trees near an early-voting site in Orlando.
Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel discovered the swastikas near the Taft Community Center late Thursday and notified the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which her office said is investigating. Photos show the symbols painted in white on at least five trees.
“These symbols represent a history of hatred, antisemitism, and violence. Their presence in our community is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Dentel said. “Hatred has no place in our community, and it has no place in our elections.”
The swastikas had reportedly been painted over by Friday. The voting site remains open for early voting ahead of Tuesday’s election.
Dentel’s office said it was unclear who painted the symbols or why but said that “their potential impact on members of the community should not be overlooked.”
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D), who represents the Orlando area, called the incident “absolutely disgusting.”
“Nazi’s are NOT welcomed in Central Florida,” Frost wrote on X. “We say NO to white supremacy, bigotry, antisemitism and voter intimidation. No one should ever feel threatened for exercising their right to vote.”
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