Hornell Police are investigating the crimes
By Andrew Harris
Hornell woke up to some pretty ugly business today: A vandal left nasty messages with what appears to be orange spray paint on places like the Hornell Public Library, Woody’s Instant Cash, and a nearby gas station.
The Hornell Public Library was especially damaging to the iconic front doors, made of solid wood. The vile message was disturbing for the staffers, volunteers, and patrons.
Library Director Denise Chilson, furious at the disrespect of both property and institution reacted:
“It was an attack on the community, and unfortunately the Library was targeted, too. We are determined not to let one individual impact the services we provide the community. The front door will be temporarily boarded up, but we are keeping our regular hours, and our side door works just fine!”
Mayor John Buckley, equally incensed by the senseless acts, issued this terse statement:
“I am outraged by the recent acts of vandalism targeting the Hornell Public Library and two local businesses. The use of spray paint to deface public and private property is not only illegal—it is a blatant act of disrespect to our community and our institutions.
This behavior is absolutely inexcusable and will not be tolerated in the City of Hornell. We take these crimes seriously, and those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
The Hornell Police Department is actively investigating these incidents, and I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice. Our community deserves better, and we will not allow bad actors to tarnish the pride we take in our city.“
Woody’s Instant Cash pawn shop was also spray painted and the owner had an interesting reaction:
This is what I saw at 7 AM this morning when I got to my store on May 15, 2025. I was not the only building that was painted overnight in Hornell. Some people might be angry, I was not. The first thing I thought was for the last month and a half. I’ve been saying I need to wash my front windows now it gave me something to do. Second it let me know that I need to have better cameras focused on my front windows. The third thing is that it reminded me that no matter what happens to you in life you need to always look at it as a learning experience and things can always be worse.”
