Threats Against Norwich Mayor Spark State‑Wide Rejection

In late December, Swarnjit Singh became the city’s first Sikh mayor, promising to prioritize jobs and community growth. A seasoned real‑estate entrepreneur and long‑time council member, Singh’s election marked a milestone for diversity in Connecticut.

Threats Emerge Early

Only weeks into his term, a comment thread on a local newspaper’s Facebook page turned dark. An account named John Moore posted violent language aimed at Mayor Singh and his family, crossing into explicit threats.

• John L. Moore, 65, was arrested on charges of intimidation tied to bias and second‑degree threatening.
• He posted bond; the case is now under investigation by local police and the FBI.

Mayor’s Response

Mayor Singh addressed the incident publicly:

“I can ignore some insults, but threats toward loved ones are unacceptable.”
He thanked federal and local agencies for their help and pledged to keep serving Norwich despite the hostility.

Political Support

State leaders issued a joint statement condemning the violent remarks, affirming that Norwich is an inclusive community where racism has no place. They emphasized that such threats threaten democracy itself.

Community Reaction

Residents from diverse backgrounds—Cape Verdean, Punjabi, and others—expressed shock at the hateful language circulating in local forums. Many highlighted how cultural diversity strengthens the town and called for unity against bigotry.

Takeaway

The incident underscores how quickly online vitriol can turn into real‑world danger and demonstrates that public officials and citizens alike are standing together to protect one another from hate‑based violence.