A Cohasset man has been arrested and charged with defacement of property after allegedly vandalizing a political sign, police said. In a report made public via social media, Cohasset police detectives apprehended Frederic Laidlaw, 74, accusing him of painting a swastika on a sign situated on Route 3A. The incident, which police say took place yesterday, has led to Laidlaw facing a felony charge.
According to the Cohasset Police Department's Facebook post, the property on which the sign stood was private, marking Laidlaw's actions as trespass and vandalism. Laidlaw was set to be arraigned in Quincy District Court following his arrest. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, notably the Civil Rights Division, has been notified of the case.
Defacing political signs is considered vandalism and may also be viewed as an attempt to suppress others' political expression. The use of a swastika, associated with the Nazi party and recognized as a symbol of hate, could elevate the crime to intimidation or hate speech, depending on local laws. Laidlaw will face legal consequences for his alleged actions under Massachusetts law.
