Hoboken police seek to talk to five people in connection with racist flyer

HOBOKEN –The Hoboken Police Department said that they have camera footage that may show at least five people allegedly distributing anonymous flyers before Hoboken’s mayoral election, flyers that pictured Councilman Ravi Bhalla under the headline “Don’t let TERRORISM take over our town!” The flyers, which apparently tried to stoke xenophobic fears, received national coverage. Ultimately, Bhalla beat out five competitors to win the mayoral election.
Councilman Michael DeFusco, another then-mayoral candidate, spotted the flyers a week ago Friday and notified police. The flyers had his name on them in an apparent attempt to frame him. He denied involvement and denounced the flyers.
Hoboken Police released photos of three suspects as well as surveillance video on Monday Nov. 14 in a press release. They had already released footage of two others.
“We are asking the public for assistance in identifying the individuals in the videos and photos who are observed [allegedly] placing the flyers on vehicles and at residences,” stated the press release.
“I will reiterate, our detectives have been investigating this matter around the clock since Friday night, November 3,” stated Chief Ken Ferrante. “I am proud of the work they have done and how much evidence they have recovered. I continue to ask the public to please let us know if you can identify any of these individuals so we can find those responsible for this act!”
In Hoboken elections, the practice of spreading “midnight flyers” has gone on for years, although they were not always tied to racism. Often, they try to convince residents in low-income areas that they will lose their housing if this or that politician gets elected.
It’s against state election law to distribute flyers for a candidate without “paid for” information on them. In addition, Ferrante has said the matter may be investigated as a hate crime.
DeFusco’s sister has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise reward money to help catch the people spreading the flyers.
The Hoboken Police Department can be reached at 201-420-2131 or contact Captain Charles Campbell at 201-420-5103. Emails can also be sent to Campbell at campbellc@hobokenpd.org or Det. Robert Roman at romanr@hobokenpd.org.