Asbury Park man charged after Nazi symbols spray-painted on buildings

Austin Gaekler, a 29-year-old man from Point Pleasant, has been charged following the spray-painting of Nazi symbols on buildings in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The vandalism included swastikas and green ‘SS’ lightning bolts found on a 7-Eleven and the Mercy Center on Main Street.

The Mercy Center is a social services agency led by former Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. Guadagno condemned the act, stating, ‘There is no place for hatred, intimidation, or antisemitism in our community.’

Gaekler faces four counts of bias intimidation and criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.