Deep River officials are investigating what's being described as a "message of hate" that was written on the town message board.
A resident alerted the town to the message and it was immediately removed.
"Be assured that when the responsible person or persons are apprehended, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," the town said in a statement.
Town officials didn't specify what the message said, but Connecticut State Police said the sign expressed "a vulgar, racist message."
Get Connecticut local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Connecticut newsletters.
The sign board is located at Devitt Field and it consists of unsecured letters that can be readily affixed to the sign, according to police.
"I suggest that we start with the recognition that this type of hatred does exist and while it offends most all of us, it can and does produce very real fear in some of us, and we ought to think a bit about that," the statement said.
State Rep. Christine Palm (D-36th district) said the message contained two racial epithets.
Local
“I strongly condemn the use of these disgusting epithets. This is hate-speech, and I
support town officials and the police in taking this very seriously," Palm said.
"We’ve seen a rise in incidents like this across the country in recent years. That
trend has only deepened the resolve of those of us who know diversity strengthens
every community," she continued.
"Our town leaders will be working with our schools, Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau, our churches, local legislators and neighboring communities to arrange for conversations and programs directed toward education, communication and healing," the statement said.
State police are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hate Crimes Unit at hate.crimes@ct.gov or Troop F Westbrook at 860-399-2100.
