On August 15, Newtown Allies For Change issued the following statement in response to the hate crime committed against Trinity Episcopal Church:

“The Leadership of Newtown Allies for Change applauds the efforts of the Newtown Police Department to investigate this hate crime. We are saddened, but not surprised, by the increase in these types of incidents in our town. These incidents are coming on the heels of various groups pushing against diversity-related efforts by Newtown Public Schools in addition to a plethora of negative comments towards marginalized people on town-wide social media.

“We have heard many stories of pride flags and Black Lives Matter signs stolen from and destroyed on the yards of private homes. However, we are disgusted to learn that a house of worship would also be targeted, simply for symbolizing that they welcome all people into their space.

“We also must not forget the anti-Semitic hate speech graffitied on the Adath Israel Synagogue in August of 2019. These actions and attitudes cannot be tolerated if we truly want to claim that it is ‘nicer in Newtown’.

“Newtown Allies for Change stands with all those who are marginalized in Newtown and experience these attitudes of hate regularly.”