Police in Bergen County are looking for the person responsible for a bias crime against a Chinese restaurant.
The New Gourmet Garden on Crescent Avenue in Wyckoff was spray-painted with the words “coronavirus” on the doors and windows. “Go home to China” was also spray-painted on the sidewalk outside.
Gov. Phil Murphy reacted to the crime on Twitter, writing, “I’m appalled by the hateful and racist graffiti left on a Chinese restaurant in Wyckoff. Coronavirus is not an excuse for racism. We stand in full solidarity with our Chinese American community.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer also stated that he was shocked and sadden by the crime. The congressman lives in Wyckoff.
“We cannot stand for any kind of discrimination or hate in any of our communities, at any time, especially during such a difficult time for so many families and businesses,” Gottheimer said in a statement.
Wyckoff police say that the person responsible could face bias intimidation and criminal mischief charges.