In Long Beach, California, a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. was vandalized with hate symbols over the holiday weekend.
According to USA Today, the “hope and justice” statue was spray-painted with a swastika and SS Bolts. The graffiti has since been cleaned by the city’s parks and recreation department.
The Long Beach Police Department told the newspaper on Monday (July 5) that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, however, they currently don’t have any suspects.
I'm shocked and disheartened by the recent hate graffiti on the statue at MLK Park. It's troubling that this act happened in a core area of our LB Black community.
— Al Austin II (@theAlAustin) July 4, 2021
The MLK statue was introduced in 1968 after the civil rights leader was assassinated and changed the name of the park from 19th Street Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Al Austin II, a member of Long Beach City Council, tweeted that he was "shocked and disheartened" by the vandalism.
Over the holiday weekend our MLK statue at King Park was vandalized with horrific graffiti. The LBPD are investigating this as a hate crime and we are working to catch whoever committed this awful act.
— Office of Mayor Robert Garcia (@LongBeachMayor) July 5, 2021
“It's troubling that this act happened in a core area of our LB Black community,” Austin wrote.
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia tweeted Monday, “We are working to catch whoever committed this awful act. Our MLK statue is a symbol of hope and justice for the community. This hate and desecration has no place in our city.”
Latest Stories
-
I didn’t speak against holding wrongdoers accountable – Rev. Kwadwo Bempah clarifies ORAL comment
16 minutes -
RSS Developers to hold 3-day open house event on home purchasing from Friday, Dec. 27
35 minutes -
Elikem Treveh: How TEIN UMaT students contributed significantly to NDC’s victory in Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency
53 minutes -
Joy FM Family Party in the Park kicks off with excitement at Aburi Botanical Gardens
1 hour -
JP U-15 Cup 2024: Fadama Ajax wins maiden edition
2 hours -
Lured for Love, Caged for Cash: How an 80-year-old American seeking love was kidnapped in Ghana by a Nigerian gang
2 hours -
Star Oil Ltd @ 25: Driving Growth and Profitability with a Vision for Renewable Energy and a Sustainable Future
3 hours -
American Airlines resumes flights after technical issue
4 hours -
NDC Greater Accra Chairman dismisses unauthorised appointment nomination request
4 hours -
Man City might miss out on Champions League – Guardiola
4 hours -
Joy FM’s Party in the Park set to thrill at Aburi Botanical Gardens today
5 hours -
KiDi performs with childhood idol, Kojo Antwi at ‘Likor On The Beach’
5 hours -
South Korea MPs file motion to impeach acting president
6 hours -
Star Oil Ltd @ 25: Driving growth and profitability with a vision for renewable energy and a sustainable future
6 hours -
Bald eagle officially declared US national bird after 250 years
6 hours