Swastikas and Hate Messages Target a Puerto Rican and Mexican Restaurant in Iowa 

Swastikas and Hate Messages Target a Puerto Rican and Mexican Restaurant in Iowa 
Credit: Jibaro Restaurant

The quiet town of Muscatine, Iowa, was shaken this past Sunday when two restaurants (a Puerto Rican and a Mexican restaurant to be exact), were vandalized with swastikas and hateful messages.

Jíbaro, a Puerto Rican restaurant, was marked with the phrase “We don’t want you here, P.R.” alongside a swastika on its exterior wall. Other swastikas were drawn on the door painted with the Puerto Rican flag. 

In the wake of the attack, Muscatine Mayor Brad Park condemned the actions and pledged to pursue justice. “Let me be very clear: we do not tolerate this kind of hateful behavior in our community, and we are working to identify those involved. Such acts are absolutely repugnant and have no place here in Muscatine. We must stand together to promote unity and respect for all people. If you have any information or video of this incident, please contact the authorities,” he said. 

Reacting to Swastikas and Vandalism in Iowa

Despite the unsettling nature of the attack, both restaurants received overwhelming support from the local community. The owners of Jíbaro issued a statement on Facebook, expressing their shock but also their determination. “Jíbaro went through this unpleasant experience where someone wrote a threatening message and damaged our walls, mutilating the paint with our flag. Jíbaro is sure that these types of people do not represent the Muscatine community… let it also be understood that these threats will never stop Jíbaro… we do not know fear here,” they wrote. 

At Guadalajara, the Mexican restaurant was also victimized by vandalism. The owners expressed pain and gratitude for the outpouring of support. “While this incident was painful, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the tremendous show of support, kindness, and love from all of you in our community,” they shared. 

Muscatine, a town of just 24,000, has witnessed an act of hate and a deep display of solidarity. The community’s response reveals a shared commitment to stand against hatred and uphold respect for all. 

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