Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn took immediate action after discovering a hateful message scrawled on a wall on Exeter Street, just steps from the Boston Public Library. The graffiti read, “Boston hates Dominicans and Puerto Ricans” and added the phrase “by white people.” Flynn recorded a video of the vandalism, condemned the bigotry, and urged city officials to erase the hate speech without delay.
Councilor’s response and call for action
In the video, Flynn said, “I immediately contacted 311 at the City of Boston, asked if they could remove this graffiti and hate speech. There’s no place for racism in Boston.” He emphasized that the city’s response should be swift, noting that the offensive words remained on the wall hours after his report.
Community impact and resident reaction
Local resident Cristian García, who lives in the Back Bay area, expressed his frustration, stating, “To me, it’s something stupid. If the police or the authorities find them doing that kind of thing, it’s a crime that can land them in jail.” García’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among Boston’s diverse neighborhoods that such hateful messages have no place in a city that prides itself on inclusion.
Context of the incident
Flynn had just concluded a meeting with Puerto Rican veterans at the nearby library, where he listened to their stories of service, sacrifice, and commitment to the nation. The timing of the graffiti underscores a stark contrast between the respect shown to veterans and the vitriol directed at immigrant communities.
City procedures and next steps
Boston’s 311 service is responsible for coordinating graffiti removal and addressing hate‑based vandalism. While the councilor’s report has been logged, city crews are expected to assess the wall and schedule cleaning. Authorities have pledged to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable under the city’s hate‑crime statutes.
Why this matters for Boston families
Boston families, churches, and community groups rely on a safe public environment for daily life, schooling, and worship. Hate‑filled graffiti threatens that sense of security and undermines the city’s commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of ethnic background. By speaking out, Councilor Flynn is upholding the values of respect, personal liberty, and the traditional family framework that many Boston households cherish.
Looking ahead
City officials have not yet provided a timeline for the wall’s removal, but Flynn’s public appeal puts pressure on the municipal departments to act promptly. Community leaders are urging the city to treat this incident as a clear violation of Boston’s anti‑discrimination policies and to reinforce the message that bigotry will not be tolerated.
Residents are encouraged to report any further instances of hate speech or vandalism to 311, helping the city maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all its diverse neighborhoods.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
