Vandalism at downtown Manchester café draws hate-crime probe
Manchester police say Moka Pot, a locally owned coffee shop, was vandalized early Wednesday with spray-painted white supremacist slogans and symbols and with shattered windows. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime and have alerted the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit.
Owners discovered the graffiti and damage at about 6 a.m.. Police estimate the vandalism occurred sometime between midnight and 4 a.m. Officers reported seeing the phrase "white power" and multiple swastikas on the exterior wall of the building, and said windows at the business had been smashed.
“This was more than property damage. It was a deliberate act intended to intimidate and instill fear, and we will not tolerate that in Manchester.”
The statement above was issued by Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr, reflecting the department’s view of the incident and the decision to involve the state civil rights unit.
Owners vow to keep welcoming space open
Nick Carnes, a co-owner of Moka Pot, told reporters his team intends to repair and cover the damage and to continue operating as a welcoming community space. He said the shop has the resources on hand to address the visible damage, including paint to cover the graffiti and insurance to cover window repairs.
“We are a community center, and we accept anyone and everyone into our coffee shop, and we will continue to do so moving forward as well,”
Carnes said employees found the graffiti early in the morning and the city’s broader community response has been encouraging, noting that customer and community support has been uplifting.
Investigation and community response
Manchester police confirmed they are investigating the incident and treating it as a hate crime. The department’s notification to the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit indicates coordination with state authorities on the civil-rights component of the case.
- Time found: About 6 a.m.
- Estimated time of vandalism: Between midnight and 4 a.m.
- Damage reported: Spray-painted slogan “white power,” multiple swastikas and broken windows
- Authorities notified: Manchester Police and the NH DOJ Civil Rights Unit
The incident underscores concerns in Manchester and elsewhere about targeted intimidation against businesses and community spaces. While Moka Pot’s co-owner emphasized resiliency and ongoing inclusivity, police emphasized that acts meant to intimidate specific communities will be investigated and addressed.
Local implications
For Manchester residents, the vandalism is both a public-safety and a civic-concern matter. It raises questions about how the city and its residents respond to symbols and messages associated with hate, and how quickly support and remedies can be provided to affected businesses. The involvement of the state Civil Rights Unit suggests the case will be monitored beyond the local level.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Business | Moka Pot (Manchester) |
| Discovery | About 6 a.m., Wednesday |
| Estimated time of incident | Midnight–4 a.m. |
| Reported damage | Spray-painted “white power,” swastikas, broken windows |
| Authorities | Manchester Police; NH DOJ Civil Rights Unit notified |
Officials did not release additional details about suspects or arrests as of the report. The co-owner said the business will continue to serve customers and act as a community gathering place while repairs are completed.
Members of the public with information about the vandalism are encouraged to contact Manchester police. The shop and its owner have highlighted the community support they have received so far as they move to repair the damage and reaffirm the café’s role as an inclusive public space.
