Hate has no zip code — but in Manchester, New Hampshire, it showed up in several of them overnight. Residents in multiple neighborhoods woke up to find their cars and homes defaced with racist, homophobic, and antisemitic graffiti, prompting a police investigation and a sharp response from the city’s top law enforcement official.
According to the Manchester Police Department, the spray-painted graffiti appeared on Candia Road, Gabrielle Street, and South Beech Street. The blue graffiti was found on both private residences and vehicles parked in the affected areas. Officers responded after the vandalism was discovered following an overnight incident.
At this stage in the investigation, police do not believe any specific individuals or properties were deliberately singled out. The graffiti’s spread across multiple streets suggests an indiscriminate act rather than a targeted attack on any one person or household.
Police Chief Speaks Out
Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr did not mince words when addressing the vandalism. In a public statement, Marr said acts of this kind
“are unacceptable and have no place in Manchester. This type of conduct is harmful, divisive, and deeply disrespectful to the individual and communities targeted.”
The statement reflects a broader concern about the impact hate-fueled vandalism has on community trust and the sense of safety that residents depend on — particularly those from communities that are directly targeted by this type of messaging.
Authorities Ask for the Public’s Help
Investigators are actively seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Candia Road, Gabrielle Street, or South Beech Street areas overnight. Residents with home surveillance cameras or doorbell cameras that may have captured footage are urged to come forward and share that footage with Manchester Police.
This story was originally reported by Nicole Poitras and Maria Wilson of WMUR News 9, whose crew was on the scene and observed the vandalized cars and homes firsthand. Full coverage, including images from the scene, is available through WMUR, where you can also sign up for email alerts to stay informed as this investigation develops. Additional updates may be followed via WMUR’s apps and social media, or through their RSS feed.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Manchester Police Department directly. Reporting tips and surveillance footage could be critical to identifying those responsible and bringing accountability to a community shaken by acts of hate.