Signs of the holiday season are up in Attleboro, Massachusetts, but there's no joy on some signs that were posted throughout the city.
Messages of hate were printed on stickers and then posted in at least three different locations, including from across a preschool and on an electrical box in the main part of the city where plenty of people could see it.
"There is no place for that here in Attleboro," Mayor Paul Heroux said.
One of the messages called President Donald Trump a demeaning name, and another was a gay slur that was found on Park Street. While the stickers have since been removed, you can't rip away their effect.
"It's really disturbing to have a hate crime like thing in Attleboro," said Laurie Sawyer, who is with PFLAG Attleboro, which provides support, education and advocacy for members of the gay community. "I was disturbed by it and afraid for what could happen next."
The signs themselves may help investigators track down whoever is involved. There's a distinct double diamond on the left.
Attleboro police say they're using every resource available to find those responsible.
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"This is just very unfortunate," Mayor Heroux said. "I think it's particularly just one individual knucklehead who just thought it was funny or maybe they're trying to say, make a message, but the community doesn't agree with that message."
The mayor says whoever did this will be charged with destruction of public property. He says this is hate speech, but without a victim, it is not a hate crime.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Attleboro Police Department.
