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10/16/2023 04:48 PMMADISON
Town officials are expressing disgust following the discovery of flyers in several local neighborhoods from an alleged neo-Nazi organization. Madison Police said the flyers, purportedly from a neo-Nazi organization in Massachusetts, were dropped over the Oct. 7 weekend in small plastic bags weighed down with rocks.
Madison Police Spokesperson Lt. Jeremy Yorke said in a statement that the department received a large number of complaints regarding the flyers and is currently investigating.
“Numerous complaints were reported over the weekend by concerned residents in Madison regarding the discovery of flyers on their properties. These flyers, carefully packaged in plastic bags with rocks, were found in various residential locations across the town. It is important to note that these incidents were not isolated, affecting multiple individuals within the community,” Yorke said.
Police are currently investigating and seeking any information, especially any video footage from targeted neighborhoods. According to police, the actual distribution of the flyers is not illegal, but due to the group’s violent and hate-focused rhetoric, the department is taking the incident seriously.
“While the flyers distributed are disturbing, they have been deemed to be noncriminal. The Madison Police Department has been diligently monitoring the situation. We urge residents to maintain vigilance and promptly notify the Madison Police Department if they observe any suspicious activity,” Yorke said. “The safety and security of our community remains our utmost priority, and we appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all residents in reporting any unusual occurrences. Contact the Madison Police Department immediately if you witness any concerning behavior.”
First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons was made aware of the incident, and she and the Board of Selectman were disturbed.
“It’s very unfortunate. It is deeply disturbing and upsetting that these would be distributed in our town and they are not welcome here. If people do find them, they should report it to police. If there is any information they can share, especially Ring cams or any video, please provide that to the police department because that would be of help,” said Lyons.
According to Lyons, she is unaware of why Madison would be targeted for such an act but did say she was aware of other incidents of this type from across the state. Lyons said the incidents appear random and not necessarily focused on any individual or town.
“I think this is an ongoing problem around the state…with these groups doing this,” said Lyons. “Typically, these have been very random, from what I’ve heard. But that is something that the police will be investigating. But we urge residents to report anything to the police. This is not welcome in Madison and is very disturbing. Any type of hate is not welcome in Madison,” Lyons said.
The Madison Republican Town Committee also issued a statement via social media condemning the distribution of the material.
“Neo-Nazi groups…have no place in the town of Madison, and we unequivocally denounce this group. Hopefully, we will never see these flyers again.”
Police officials are asking anyone in an area where a flyer was found to contact police if they saw anything suspicious on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8. Any residents who might have doorbell/video camera footage are also urged to contact Madison Police at 203-245-6500.