Acton PD Say Arizona Minor Is Suspect In Racist Zoombombings

ACTON, MA — A minor from Arizona is the leading suspect in the Acton Police Department's investigation into racist harassment that interrupted two Acton-Boxborough School Committee meetings in the last few weeks.

Acton police are working with a local Arizona police department on the investigation, Acton police said in a statement released Wednesday night.

The police department's investigation started Dec. 17. The department said the minor does not appear to have any connections to Acton or Boxborough, and is believed to have learned about the scheduled meetings online. Police did not release any more information about the suspect.

During the meeting on Jan. 7, a person who volunteered to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting played an audio recording that contained the N-word. The comment was directed toward Kyra Wilson-Cook and Evelyn Abayaah-Issah — the only Black members on the committee. The pair were also the target of racist messages during a School Committee meeting in December.

"We have been prioritizing this investigation since the initial incident last month, and have continued to do so in light of a second incident last week," Acton police Chief Richard Burrows said. "I am glad we have been able to identify a likely suspect in this case and, as we learn more, will work toward holding that individual accountable in a meaningful way."

Acton's Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and town manager all condemned the harassment. Acton police said a third attempt was made by someone to interrupt a government meeting Monday during the Board of Selectmen's emergency meeting to discuss the harassment.