Laguna Woods Mayor Carol Moore Friday condemned a woman clad in a swastika armband who is facing possible hate crime charges in a conflict with multiple people earlier this month.
Moore’s statement came after public appeals from Rabbi Peter Levi, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, to city officials to condemn the 51-year-old woman, who Orange County sheriff’s deputies have recommended to prosecutors should face a hate crime charge.
“The city of Laguna Woods stands firmly against antisemitism, bigotry and hate in all its forms, fully and without exception,” Moore said in a statement.
“The conduct alleged in the disturbance is abhorrent, inexcusable, and antithetical to the character and values of our community.”
Moore said city officials appreciate the sheriff’s department’s “prompt attention” to the incident.
“We agree with Peter Levi, regional director, ADL Orange County/Long Beach’s statement, as the city of Laguna Woods is also outraged,” she added.
“Our delay in publicly responding was based on allowing the investigation to proceed to its conclusion rapidly and without prejudice. We condemn the alleged conduct and any hateful behavior. Thank you to Mr. Levi for speaking out.”
Just before 4 p.m. March 7 the woman, whose name was not released, was walking past the Laguna Woods clubhouse wearing the Nazi symbol on her arm when an 81-year-old man confronted her, according to Jaimee Blashaw of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The woman responded with antisemitic slurs as the two argued, Blashaw said. The woman was accused of threatening the man, Blashaw said.
Another man, who was riding by on a bicycle, joined the argument and removed the armband, Blashaw said. A 77-year-old man was also involved in the dispute and saw what happened, she added.
Levi told City News Service that he reached out to Moore the week after the conflict.
“One of the more important ways to fight against hate is to have our civil and elected leaders call it out and that’s what I put in a request for — you have to call this out for what it is,” Levi said.
“It is an antisemitic expression that sends a message to the Jewish individuals as well as other marginalized groups in the community that they don’t belong there and by not saying anything it becomes tacit approval.”