Ramapo - Police Investigate Swastika In Sloatsburg On Liberty Rock

Ramapo police say they are taking the painting of a swastika on Liberty Rock in Sloatsburg very seriously, but will wait for the results of an investigation before deciding if it is a hate crime.

"We are going to figure out who put it there and then perhaps we can determine why," police said. "It could range from an innocent act to a hate crime. I want to keep an open mind."

A faded swastika was sighted Monday afternoon on Liberty Rock, a historic site in Sloatsburg, by Ramapo town officials inspecting a property they intend to buy.

The swastika, painted white on a red circle on the rock, is just behind Liberty Rock Road. The rock was used in the Revolutionary War to signal patriots and to light watch fires for returning comrades. The hill is visible from several locations in the village, but the swastika itself is barely discernible from the ground because it is faded and obstructed from view by branche.