Members of the Shinnecock Nation of New York held a rally on Tuesday night in response to vandalism that is being investigated as a hate crime.

The rally came a day after state police arrested Jake Hagen, 16, for spray painting racist graffiti on tribal property. Hagen used anti-African American words, Newsday reported, so the case is being investigated as a hate crime.

Hagen has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree aggravated harassment and other charges. He apparently wrote the graffiti because he is upset over the tribe's casino plans.

The Shinnecock Nation is recognized by the state of New York. A federal judge recently ruled that the tribe is a legitimate Indian tribe under federal common law. The tribe's petition for recognition is pending at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
Shinnecocks rally following hate crime (Newsday 12/21)

Court Decision:
New York v. Shinnecock Nation (November 7, 2005)

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Shinnecock Nation - http://www.shinnecocknation.com

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