Staten Island – Early Saturday morning, three unknown individuals entered the College of Staten Island campus through a damaged fence and caused extensive vandalism that will cost the school upwards of $100,000 to repair.
How the damage occurred
Police reports indicate the suspects arrived around 12:20 a.m. on September 13, 2026. After slipping through the compromised fence, they accessed several buildings through unlocked doors. Inside, they deliberately damaged structural elements, flooded a building – creating significant water damage – and wrecked the hardwood floor of the campus basketball court.
Investigators also observed the group traveling around the campus in a golf cart, which was later found crashed and damaged. The campus was closed to the public at the time, limiting exposure to students and staff.
Police response and investigation
New York City Police Department officers responded promptly, securing the scene and beginning a forensic investigation. No arrests have been announced, and the individuals remain unidentified. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and encouraging anyone with information to contact the NYPD’s Staten Island precinct.
Impact on the college community
College officials expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the financial burden it places on the institution and its students. The administration is working with contractors to assess the full scope of repairs and expects the affected buildings to be closed for several weeks while restoration work proceeds.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety and well‑being of our campus community,” said a college spokesperson. “Our priority is to restore the facilities quickly and ensure that such a breach does not happen again.”
Community reaction
Local residents and alumni voiced frustration on social media, calling for increased security measures around the campus. Some community members suggested installing additional lighting, reinforced fencing, and a 24‑hour security presence to deter future incidents.
City officials have not yet announced any specific funding or policy changes in response to the vandalism, but the incident underscores the broader challenges of protecting public institutions from opportunistic crime.
What’s next
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity near Victory Boulevard around the time of the incident to come forward. The college will provide updates on repair timelines and any additional security enhancements as they become available.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
