Police Department Of The Village of Fishkill Concludes Review Of Nazi Salute Made By Daniel Mandia
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Commissioner Glenn R. Scofield Jr. of the Village of Fishkill Police Department responded to A Little Beacon Blog’s inquiry on the response of law enforcement based on the actions of Daniel Mandia, sole owner of Mandia Construction and Sons, where he stepped into the TikTok video being made by two girls of color, performed a Nazi salute, stepped out of the camera. He then allegedly asked the girls if they knew what the salute meant, and allegedly encouraged them to post it to the Internet.
Commissioner Scofield Jr. said: “The Village of Fishkill Police Department has completed its review of the video circulating on social media. Following investigation & consultation with members of the District Attorney’s office, it has been determined that the individual's actions, while deeply offensive and disruptive to community values, constitute speech protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Because the behavior did not include a direct, credible threat of violence or physical harm, it does not meet the statutory requirements for criminal prosecution. Our agency remains committed to ensuring the safety of all community members within the boundaries of the law.”
UPDATE 6/8/2026: A Little Beacon Blog wrote to the Village of Fishkill Police with the following question, and received the following response:
Dear Commissioner Scofield:
One of our readers suggested the Endangerment of a Child Law 260.10.
Can you speak to why this law does not refer to Daniel Mandia’s actions? How he gave a salute that is known to be extremely divisive and inciting, and then allegedly made sure the girls did not know what the salute meant, and encouraged them to post it online. Which has resulted in a region-wide disruptive reaction.
From the law:
"He or she knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the
physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than seventeen years
old or directs or authorizes such child to engage in an occupation
involving a substantial risk of danger to his or her life or health”
It certainly seems like Daniel intentionally was "injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare” of the girls, which can lead to "substantial risk of danger to his or her life or health” of the girls.
Thank you.
