Hannah Kotler, Contributing Photographer

The words “Blood on ur hands” and “Free Palestin” were spray-painted in red paint on opposite window panes of Representative Rosa DeLauro’s campaign office on Orange Street. The News obtained a photo of the vandalism Tuesday afternoon. 

DeLauro released a statement after her office was vandalized condemning the action.

“Violence, vandalism and the destruction of property are never acceptable,” DeLauro wrote. “Discussion and dialogue are the best way to address serious issues.”

DeLauro also wrote that she is committed to the safety of her staff. 

Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel On Oct. 7 that killed at least 1,400 Israelis, according to Israeli officials, as reported by the Associated Press. Israel responded to the attack with a formal declaration of war against Hamas, airstrikes, a siege of Gaza. The Associated Press reported Tuesday afternoon that according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s attacks have killed at least 8,805 Palestinians in Gaza. United Nations officials have called these attacks an “unprecedented catastrophe” and “collective punishment” in violation of international law.

On Oct. 15, Delauro affirmed her support for Israel during an event hosted by Shabtai, a Jewish leadership society at Yale. 

“Israel needs to know and to understand that they do not stand alone,” DeLauro said during the event.

DeLauro also released a statement on Oct. 31 calling for a “humanitarian pause” of Israel’s bombing of Gaza so humanitarian aid, including food, water, medicine and fuel could be brought in. In the statement she also called for the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages — over 230 —  held by Hamas.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Senator Richard Blumenthal also expressed their support for Israel at the Shabtai event. 

On Tuesday, Elicker condemned the graffiti as an inappropriate expression of free speech. 

“Free speech is people’s right but not in this way,” Elicker told the News. “It’s unfortunate that people decided to vandalize the Congresswoman’s office. The police department is investigating to hold individuals accountable.”

The New Haven Police Department did not respond to a request for comment. 

Congresswoman Rose DeLauro has represented Connecticut’s 3rd congressional district since 1991.

Update, Nov. 2: The article has been updated to remove the address of DeLauro’s campaign office for security reasons and include the content of DeLauro’s press release on Oct. 31.