BAY SHORE, N.Y. — Suffolk County police are investigating as a hate crime vandalism at a Long Island gay and lesbian youth center.

Chief Executive Officer David Kilmnick of the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth Center says the center’s front door was broken, and its van’s windows were smashed, tires slashed and the side mirrors were mangled.

Kilmnick says the damage was discovered Monday, Feb. 2. He called the vandalism "a message of fear," but vowed that "hate can’t remain in the closet."

The hamlet of Bay Shore is 43 miles east of New York City.

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