Crime
“These statements are deeply upsetting and do not reflect the values of our Town, which are built on principles of inclusion and respect,” town officials said.
Amherst police are investigating several “hateful and racist” letters found on residents’ cars last week that were signed by a cryptic organization, the town said.
“Harm has been felt through the community, and it will not be ignored,” the town of Amherst said in a statement posted on Facebook.
On April 29, officials received word that letters had been “placed on multiple vehicles in Amherst that contained hateful and racist sentiments,” town officials wrote.
The letters targeted the “Black and African American community,” and were signed by an unheard-of organization, the town said in the statement, which did not include the full contents of the letters. The letters were addressed to “Amherst Residents” and signed by a group who called themselves the “Advancement of American Civilization,” officials wrote.
Police responded and spoke to around seven people who received the letters; no other recipients were reported to police, town officials said.
“Town staff were not able to locate any group associated with the name of the organization,” town officials said.
National organizations “known for tracking hate groups” were also unable to identify the group, the town said.
“No information was collected to help locate the source of the letter,” the town of Amherst said.
The incident does not qualify as a hate crime under federal or state law, but is being investigated by Amherst police.
“We condemn the racist and outright inaccurate statements made within the letter regarding Black people or those of African descent. These statements are deeply upsetting and do not reflect the values of our Town, which are built on principles of inclusion and respect,” town officials said.
The Amherst Police Department did not respond to a request for comment Sunday evening.
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