Mexican consulate in Midtown vandalized with red paint

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Red paint was thrown on the front wall of the Mexican Consulate in Midtown Tuesday morning.

The apparent protest graffiti was discovered on the front of the building at 27 E. 39th St. at around 5:45 a.m.

Detectives are investigating and have taped off the area. No arrests were immediately made.

Red paint has been used to vandalize Mexican consulates in the past. The Mexican Consulate in Midtown was the target of vandalism in 2007.

The New York City Police Department is aware of the group of vandals it believes is responsible; the group has been involved in prior acts of protest.

Several members approached from across the street, threw paint at the consulate, then ran east.

The NYPD has recovered surveillance video of the incident.