According to a press release issued Sunday, the Grand Rapids Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying those responsible for vandalizing City Hall and near the residences and neighborhoods of some City of Grand Rapids elected and appointed officials.
Stenciled graffiti reading “Defund Police” was found on Sunday morning outside the homes of a number of elected officials in Grand Rapids, authorities are not releasing the names of whose residences were vandalized, only confirming that the graffiti was on driveways and sidewalks at or near the residences.
This followed similar vandalism targeting elected and appointed officials found Thursday morning in the Government Center Ramp at City Hall. Police Chief Eric Payne issued this statement:
“These bullying and intimidation tactics are unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. This crosses the line,” Police Payne said.
Last Tuesday, at the City Commissioners meeting, a motion to partially defund the Grand Rapids Police Department had the support of a number of elected officials, including newcomer Milinda Ysasi, and Senita Lenear. The motion, got shot down before a vote could be taken however, after City Attorney Anita Hitchcock informed the commission it does not have the legal power to do defund the police without the support of City Manager Mark Washington, and without detailing how the remaining funds would be used.
Meanwhile, the GRPD has released photos of the vandalism and a suspect getting into a vehicle outside one of the homes.
Anyone with information is asked to come forward, or call the silent observer.
