A woman has been arrested on hate crimes charges for her alleged involvement in vandalizing the homes of the Brooklyn Museum's leaders during pro-Palestinian protests. Taylor Pelton, 28, was taken into custody on charges of criminal mischief and criminal mischief as a hate crime. The incident occurred on June 12 when Pelton and five others were captured on surveillance video defacing the residences of the museum's director and chief operating officer.
The activists targeted the home of the museum's director, who is Jewish, leaving behind red paint splatters and a banner labeling her as a “white-supremacist Zionist.” Additionally, an inverted red triangle, believed to be a symbol used by Hamas, was sprayed on her door.
Pelton was arraigned and released with court supervision following her arrest. Her attorney criticized the charges, denouncing the trend of categorizing Palestine solidarity actions as hate crimes.
The vandalism occurred shortly after a group of pro-Palestinian protesters marched to the museum, occupied its lobby, vandalized artworks, and displayed a “Free Palestine” banner on the roof. The protesters accused the museum of complicity in Israel’s military actions in Gaza, an allegation museum officials have refuted.
Various New York City leaders condemned the protests, highlighting the museum's commitment to First Amendment rights and its history of promoting diverse perspectives through art. The incident reignited discussions about antisemitism and free speech, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning the vandalism as antisemitic and intimidating.
In response, Brooklyn Museum officials emphasized the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protest and criminal behavior. They reiterated the museum's dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding through art, despite the recent controversies.
