Four teenage suspects devastated the historic Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse in a senseless act of arson just one year after taxpayers funded a $3.4 million renovation, causing an estimated $100,000 in damage to irreplaceable artifacts and furniture.
Key Takeaways
- Four teenage suspects broke into the 142-year-old Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow at approximately 3:30 a.m., setting fire to the building and destroying priceless antique books and furniture.
- The vandalism and arson occurred barely a year after the historic landmark underwent a taxpayer-funded $3.4 million renovation and restoration project.
- Initial damage estimates are around $100,000, with authorities processing fingerprints and seeking public assistance to identify the suspects caught on security footage.
- All tours of the lighthouse, a popular site for weddings and proposals that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the late 1970s, have been postponed indefinitely during repairs.
- County officials have condemned the attack as a “despicable act” against one of the region’s most cherished landmarks.
Landmark Targeted in Overnight Attack
The tranquil community of Sleepy Hollow was shaken when vandals targeted their beloved lighthouse in a destructive early-morning rampage. The incident, discovered at approximately 9:40 a.m. when an employee arrived to find smoke and broken windows, has outraged local residents. Westchester County police have confirmed that four teenage boys broke into the 142-year-old structure around 3:30 a.m., deliberately setting a fire that gutted the museum on the ground floor and caused extensive damage throughout the building.
“The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of our County’s most iconic and cherished landmarks,” County Executive Ken Jenkins said. “This was a truly despicable act, and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Extensive Damage to Historic Property
The Sleepy Hollow police and fire departments responded quickly to extinguish the blaze, but significant destruction had already occurred. The lighthouse, which had just undergone a $3.4 million renovation and restoration project completed in May of last year, now shows burn marks on its floor, shattered windows, and decimated furnishings. Most disturbing was the destruction of irreplaceable antique books and other museum artifacts that told the story of this important local landmark that has stood watch over the Hudson River since 1883.
“It’s disappointing, and it’s heartbreaking to see this kind of damage that was just completely unnecessary,” County Executive Ken Jenkins stated.
Investigation Underway as Community Reacts
Westchester County police have released surveillance photos of four suspects wanted for questioning in what they described as an “arson fire and vandalism spree.” Investigators are processing fingerprints from the scene and seeking additional video footage from nearby areas, including the train station and surrounding buildings. The Forensic Investigation Unit and the Cause and Origin Team from the county Department of Emergency Services have processed the scene, with the case now under investigation by detectives from the General Investigations Unit.
“Setting a fire and trashing a place is bad enough. It’s also one of the county’s more iconic places,” said Kieran O’Leary, spokesman for the Westchester County Police.
The community has responded with anger and determination to identify those responsible. According to police, many tips have already been received after the release of suspect photos. County Police Commissioner Terrance Raynor confirmed that investigators are actively seeking additional surveillance footage, stating, “As the process continues, our investigators are looking to secure video footage that may be around this area such as the train station, some of the buildings might have some video.”
Cultural Impact and Future Repairs
The Tarrytown Lighthouse, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the late 1970s, stands as more than just a navigational aid. It represents a piece of American maritime history and has become central to community identity and tourism. All tours of the lighthouse have been postponed indefinitely as repair work begins, with damage estimates currently standing at approximately $100,000. The historic site had become increasingly popular in recent years for its picturesque setting on the Hudson River.
“There have been weddings and proposals there and it’s more recently become an Instagram spot. There’s been a strong reaction to the vandalism,” explained Kieran O’Leary.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vandalism to contact county police through their voice tip line, electronic tips via email or text, or their mobile app for confidential submissions. This senseless destruction of a beloved historic landmark has galvanized the community to assist law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice and to ensure that the lighthouse will shine again for future generations after these repairs are completed.
