Warwick, RI – Warwick police are investigating after packages containing racially charged messages were scattered around the Oakland Beach neighborhood overnight.
Residents woke up Tuesday morning to find clear plastic bags on their lawns and driveways. Inside were a handful of pellets and fliers reading “KANYE 2024” and “DEFCON 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE,” along with an image of the artist and a crossed-out Star of David.
The pellets, initially feared to be poisonous, turned out to be home heating pellets and did not contain any poisonous substance, according to Warwick Police Major Joel Thomas. He said all 80 bags have since been collected as evidence.
Investigators are now working to develop suspects by reviewing surveillance video from the area and taking witness statements.
Police later released surveillance images of a vehicle, saying they want to identify the owner. Thomas said they’re not sure yet if the vehicle is involved, but it’s definitely of interest to the investigation.
