Police Probe Arson, Racist Graffiti At Black Family’s Home

SCHODACK, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities in upstate New York are investigating a suspected arson fire at the home of a black family whose house was spray-painted with racist graffiti.

Sunday's late-night fire destroyed Laquan and Jennifer Madison's garage and damaged their home in Schodack (SKOH'-dak), a rural Rensselaer County town just south of Albany. The couple and their five children, including a newborn, weren't injured.

Firefighters from five volunteer departments extinguished the flames.

Town police say a swastika and a racial slur were spray-painted on the side of the home. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

Laquan Madison, whose family has lived in the town for three years, told local media outlets that his family has no plans to move.

The county sheriff's office and state police are also investigating.