Authorities have made the first of several planned arrests in connection with the vandalism of the homes of Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak and other museum board members, which occurred in the early hours of June 12. The actions of the perpetrators were caught on a nearby security camera.

A representative for the deputy commissioner of public affairs for the New York Police Department confirmed the July 31 arrest of 28-year old Taylor Pelton at her Queens home, “pursuant with an ongoing investigation.” Pelton was charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime.

News of the arrest was first reported by the New York Daily News.

Citing police, the report said that Pelton and five others splattered red paint outside the apartment building on Hicks Street where Pasternak resides. The suspects also left painted red inverted triangles on the doors of the building. Members of the Jewish community have identified these as symbols used by terrorists to mark intended targets.

This is not peaceful protest or free speech. This is a crime, and it’s overt, unacceptable antisemitism.

These actions will never be tolerated in New York City for any reason. I’m sorry to Anne Pasternak and members of @brooklynmuseum‘s board who woke up to hatred like this.

I… pic.twitter.com/vi17PumBoM

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 12, 2024

On that same day, another Brooklyn home where a museum board member resides, on Douglass Street in Boerum Hill, was also splashed with red paint. The NYPD released a surveillance video of the suspects. The incidents were labeled as hate crimes.

Further, the report noted that video footage of the vandalism was posted to an Instagram account of activist group A15 Actions. The group said in a statement accompanying the video post that the action was taken in response to what they see as the Brooklyn Museum’s “betrayal,” believing the institution to have called the police on hundreds of protesters at a pro-Palestine rally on May 31.

A spokesperson for Brooklyn Museum clarified that the museum did not call the police on protestors. Instead, the NYPD arrived with the demonstrators, according to the museum. Police arrested 34 protesters that day, some of whom had set up tents or entered the building.

Pelton is reportedly also expected to face charges for two similar vandalism events that took place in Manhattan, closer to the day of the Brooklyn Museum protests.

“We are aware the District Attorney has filed criminal charges against an individual accused of participating in the June 12 vandalism at the homes of several Brooklyn Museum leaders,” the museum said in a statement shared with Artnet News. “Those affected are cooperating with the authorities. Brooklyn Museum leadership believes it is crucial to distinguish between peaceful protest and criminal acts.”

The statement continues: “Our museum has a long history of supporting artists’ free expression and uplifting people through powerful art experiences. Our vision remains rooted in the belief that art fosters dialogue and mutual understanding among people with diverse experiences and perspectives.”