Police seek vandal who sprayed ‘KILL THE GAY’ on New York building

New York Police Department's Hate Crimes Task Force put out an appeal for the suspect

The New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force is looking for a man who allegedly sprayed anti-gay graffiti onto the side of a building.

The NYPD task force put out a plea for help finding the man who is believe to have scrawled the message “KILL THE GAY AWAY” on the side of a gate in the East Village at 2:40am on Thursday (August 8).

Police shared a video of the man, who is described as around 5 ft 6 with long, curly blonde hair, who was wearing a green shirt and carrying a yellow messenger bag.

New York governor Andrew Cuomo slams ‘vile act of hate’

The state’s governor Andrew Cuomo said: “In New York we have zero tolerance for this sort of vile and cowardly act of hate.

“I’m directing the State Police Hate Crimes Unit to assist the NYPD with its investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

New York Police Department's Hate Crimes Task Force put out an appeal for the suspect

New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force put out an appeal for the suspect

Captain John L. O’Connell, Commanding Officer of the NYPD‘s 9th Precinct, confirmed the graffiti has since been cleared up.

He tweeted on August 10: “The graffiti at 11 Avenue A, which is now under investigation by the @NYPDHateCrimes Task Force, has been cleaned.

“If you’ve got any information about it or it’s perpetrator, there’s a reward—up to $2500! ☎️ 1-800-577-TIPS or DM @NYPDTips. #YourCityYourCall”

One Twitter user flagged another act of vandalism in the city, featuring the message “KILL THE GAY” and a crude drawing of a stick man in a noose.

They wrote: “This piece of s**t tagged up Norfolk St as well.”

Anyone with information should call 1-800-577-TIPS.