15-03-2025
Ex-Flagler Beach resident wanted in antisemitic hate crimes arrested in Northern Ireland
A former Flagler Beach resident who fled to Ireland after he scrawled antisemitic hate graffiti on several buildings in the beachside town has been arrested in Northern Ireland, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Liam Mackin, 71, an Irish citizen, was arrested on an INTERPOL warrant, according to the Sheriff's Office, which stated it was notified on Friday about Mackin's capture.
Mackin sold his home in Flagler Beach and fled back to his home in Ireland as the Flagler Beach Police Department closed in on him in its investigation of antisemitic hate crimes in November 2023.
Security cameras recorded Mackin vandalizing six residential or business properties with prejudicial hate graffiti targeting the Jewish community, according to the Sheriff's Office.
The six properties represented five different victims of either Jewish heritage or Israeli nationality, Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney said in a previous story.
The Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Mackin on a charge of criminal mischief ($1000 or more), evidencing prejudice while committing the offense. But Mackin had fled a day earlier.
The Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit determined Mackin was likely hiding in Ireland and worked with the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of International Affairs, the FBI and the U.S. Marshal's Service to have Irish authorities Mackin arrested on his international fugitive warrant from Flagler County.
Mackin is in the process of being extradited to Flagler County, which could take up to six months.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ex-Flagler Beach resident arrested after fleeing to Ireland
