Milford officials are responding to a series of assaults targeting people living in a makeshift encampment behind the Lowe’s store on the city’s east side. The attacks, which began on September 19, have included verbal harassment, rocks thrown at residents, spray‑painted swastikas on nearby trees and fireworks that ignited small fires.
Community leaders describe the incidents
Jennifer Paradis, executive director of the Beth‑El Center – a local nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness – said the encampment houses roughly half a dozen individuals who are waiting for permanent housing. She reported that the assaults have occurred at all hours, “some in the middle of the night and some at 2 p.m.,” leaving residents on constant alert.
Paradis added that a Lowe’s employee was struck by a firework during one of the incidents. To date, no one has required hospitalization, but several people were injured enough to seek medical attention.
Mayor’s response
Mayor Richard Smith issued a statement condemning the violence, saying, “The city is outraged and appalled by this cruelty. Targeting people because they are vulnerable is cowardly, and a betrayal of everything our community stands for.” He pledged that city resources are being directed to assist investigators in identifying the perpetrators and to ensure the safety of all Milford residents.
State support
State Representative Laurie Sweet, co‑chair of the Connecticut legislature’s End Homelessness caucus, expressed shock at the attacks. “They’re human beings, and I am grateful that the folks in charge are responding quickly and adequately,” Sweet said. “This is unacceptable behavior for anyone, anywhere.”
Investigation and public call‑to‑action
Milford police are actively pursuing leads and have asked anyone with information to contact the department at 203‑878‑6551. The city hopes an arrest will be made promptly, emphasizing that both housed and unhoused citizens deserve equal protection under the law.
Looking ahead
Advocates continue to urge city officials to provide additional security measures for the encampment and to accelerate efforts to move residents into stable housing. The incident underscores the broader challenges Milford faces in addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
