Shinnecock National Cultural Center and Museum Vandalized

A vandalized fence and shed at the Shinnecock National Cultural Center and Museum were vandalized overnight, causing thousands of dollars in damages, a museum official said Wednesday.

State Police said no items were taken, but Anyone with information is asked to call New York State Police at 631-727-2727.

State Police Investigator Eric Baez said the initial belief Wednesday morning, when museum staff reported the vandalism, was that it could have been a hate crime. But further investigation and discussions with tribal members led police to believe it was not.

“It doesn’t appear to be biased-related at this point,” said Baez. He said some of graffiti was believed to reference a rapper.

The fence leading to the recently opened Wikun Living History Village was spray-painted with “hateful nonsense,” including the “N-word,” said Matauqus Tarrant, site manager and assistant curator at the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, which opened in May. He said there was a busted light and shed door, but nothing appeared to be taken.

Staff planned to paint over the graffiti Wednesday and were contemplating putting a mural painting on the fence.

Investigators were still trying to decipher some of the acronyms and references in the vandalism.

The vandalism happened sometime between 9 p.m. Tuesday night and 8 a.m. Wednesday. Anyone with information is asked to call New York State Police at 631-727-2727.