Lynn, Mass – A storefront that is in the process of being converted into a marijuana retail store was vandalized Monday.
Jordan Avery, the president and CEO of Massachusetts Green Retail Inc., said the place was ransacked. He found graffiti and an anti-Semitic message spray-painted on the wall, as well as a knife inside a noose that was hanging from the ceiling.
“When I walked in, I was absolutely lost for words,” Avery said. “It was very upsetting to see such hatred.”
Avery is converting to Judaism and his business partner is Jewish. Avery believes it was also a racially motivated attack since he is African-American.
“Blacks were hung, so it’s a strong message,” Avery said.
Avery said the proposed retail location has met some resistance from neighbors, but he says this vandalism will not derails the company’s plans.
“Our vision here is to open and we’re not going to let this stop us,” Avery said. “We’re going to clean this mess up, get construction going, do some demo work and get our application in with the (Cannabis Control Commission).”
It is believed the incident happened sometime around noon Monday, when someone was seen leaving the business. Police said they are searching for that person.
