Capital One Branch on Upper East Side Targeted by Vandalism

The New York Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force has launched an investigation into the vandalism of a Capital One bank branch on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The incident occurred early Monday morning and involved several smashed windows and graffiti sprayed onto the building, according to police.

Graffiti References 'Pal Action' and 'Elbit'

Images shared by City Council Speaker Julie Menin on social media show shattered storefront windows and red spray paint on the bank's doors. The graffiti read “PAL ACTION” and “DROP ELBIT,” referencing Palestine Action, a U.K.-based direct-action network known for targeting companies connected to Israel’s military, and Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company that produces drones, surveillance systems, and ammunition.

Context: Previous Protests and Claims of Responsibility

Capital One has previously faced protests due to a reported $90 million loan granted to Elbit Systems, as noted by Truthout. In April, activists with Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard protested outside Capital One’s Midtown Manhattan offices, calling on the bank to end its financial relationship with Elbit.

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for Monday’s vandalism in a statement to Gothamist, saying, “Today our Actionists showed Capital One the price of their complicity in genocide. Do business with Elbit, and we will cost you money.” Neither Elbit Systems nor Capital One immediately responded to requests for comment.

NYPD Response and Ongoing Investigation

Police stated that officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 7:40 a.m. Monday, finding multiple damaged windows and graffiti on the bank’s entrance at 249 East 86th Street. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

Palestine Action, founded in Britain in 2020, has been designated a terrorist organization in the U.K. since July 2025 and by the U.S. government as of late August. The group has been involved in direct actions against companies linked to Israel’s defense sector.

Reactions from City Leaders

New York City leaders quickly condemned the vandalism. City Council Speaker Julie Menin stated on X, "I have been in contact with the NYPD regarding this incident and have urged an immediate investigation, including whether this is a potential antisemitic hate crime. There is no place for hate, intimidation or violence in New York City." Councilmember Virginia Maloney also described the act as “deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable.”

Incidents and Statistics Highlight Rising Hate Crimes

The attack comes amid an increase in high-profile bias-motivated violence across the city, particularly targeting Jewish communities. Recent months have seen attacks at synagogues in Queens and disruptions at Shabbat services in Midtown Manhattan. In another recent case, a man was arraigned on hate crime charges for allegedly vandalizing a Jewish-owned kosher bagel shop in Queens.

According to NYPD statistics released earlier this month, anti-Jewish hate crimes comprised over half of the city’s recorded hate crimes through September—245 out of 463 incidents.

Source: gothamist.com.