CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrest for Town of Clay Hate Crime Graffiti Incident

(New York, NY, 2/6/26) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest of a man in the Town of Clay, New York, on charges connected to a hate crime involving racist and hate-motivated graffiti.

According to law enforcement reports, 27-year-old Justin C. Wilson, was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree with a Hate Crime Enhancement after authorities say hateful symbols and language were spray-painted on property in the community. Officials also reportedly recovered black spray paint and other related items during a search of the suspect’s residence. 

SEE: Man arrested for hate crime graffiti in Town of Clay 

In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:  

“Vandalism and symbols intended to intimidate or attack people based on their identity are unacceptable, and we commend law enforcement for pursuing this case. Bias-motivated crimes undermine our shared civic trust and sense of safety.” 

CAIR-NY stresses that hate crimes, including vandalism and graffiti targeting individuals or communities, are not just offenses against property but assaults on community dignity and security.

CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.  

La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.  

Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Email List    

You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.  

END  

CONTACT  

Afaf Nasher, Esq. CAIR-NY Executive Director, ANasher@cair.com    

CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com