Newburgh tattoo parlor target of vandalism
Police are investigating vandalism at a tattoo parlor whose owner challenged restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
NEWBURGH » The Casa Di Dolore Tattoo Parlor at 784 Broadway in the city was vandalized with windows broken and graffiti spray painted on the building
Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
The storefront’s windows appeared to be shattered by rocks or other objects. “PB SCUM” and “F—O—” were spray-painted on the building’s exterior walls. An Antifa sticker was also affixed to one of the building’s windows.
“PB” is an abbreviation for “Proud Boys,” the white supremacist group that supports former President Donald Trump. The business’ owner, Rob Minuta, was reportedly seen in Washington during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol wearing an Oath Keepers cap.
Last May, Minuta challenged New York state by reopening his shop before it was allowed to do so during a pause in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is more about the infringement of our freedoms,” he told Mid-Hudson News at the time. “I am definitely not doing myself any good financially by doing this, but I believe that my rights and the rights of everyone else are more important than my finances.”
The shop was closed on Friday afternoon, Feb. 26. When the store was contacted by phone late the next day, Minuta was not available for comment and a request for comment was not returned.