First Selectwoman: Found Propaganda “does not represent Westport and is unacceptable”
Press ReleasePropaganda stickers discovered on town & state property in recent days prompted a swift response from the Town Administration and the Westport Police Department.
On Wednesday March 8 2023, Westport Police were notified of propaganda, in the form of stickers, affixed to signs in the Saugatuck area of Town. These stickers were small, and in some cases, old and tattered. These stickers are confirmed recruitment materials from a group called “Patriot Front”. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented this group and written extensively on them https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/patriot-front. Westport Police spoke with CT State Police Hate Crimes Unit and confirmed that they have seen material from this group in other parts of the Country, and further stated they have had no violence attached to this propaganda.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated, “I am grateful to the Police for managing the issue with expediency and professionalism. This does not represent Westport and is unacceptable. Nor does it diminish the qualities of our community that focus on volunteerism, neighborly engagement, and civil discourse. We are proud of our residents and business and civic leaders who work tirelessly to make Westport a better place.”
She continued, “In collaboration with the CT ADL, TEAM Westport, and local officials, we will continue to make strides to ensure that Westport is a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone feels that they belong. Safety is always a top priority. I ask the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity they come across to the Westport Police department immediately. We can all help do our part as a community in countering these types of incidents by staying alert. Together, we can all make sure that Westport is the best place in the region to live, work, play and learn.”
Chief Koskinas reminds the public that Westport Police Department are engaging and take pride in making Westport a safe and inviting community.
Anyone with information or evidence of those responsible for placing the stickers in the various locations of Saugatuck are encouraged to call the Westport Police Detective Bureau at (203) 341-6080.