Florida’s famous pro-police ‘Back the Blue’ mural was attacked outside Tampa’s Police Department.
Authorities claim to arrest 4 suspects who were involved in the crime.
The giant mural made in support of the state’s police force was brutally vandalized. As it is, the mural was in the line of fire after receiving numerous criticism from online users. Ever since its completion on August 2nd, the mural called for an end to claims of defunding the police. All of these events came after the recent killing of George Floyd, which sparked outrage around the globe.
It was painted in downtown Tampa, after seeking approval from the mayor. However, in the few weeks that followed, the mural faced immense critique, while getting defaced numerous times. The most recent incident occurred on August 11th, late Tuesday night.
Authorities made claims of how the mural was attacked by a group of people who were caught in the act. They seemed to be spray painting offensive terms and profanities across the mural. Likewise, was subject to terms such as ‘pigs,’ right in front of the Police headquarters. The exact location was Madison Street, taking place just before 11:00 pm.
On the other hand, Tampa police officials made claims of four arrests, in regards to the crime. Those taken into custody include three teenagers and one juvenile. And that was just before they gave the underaged suspect a notice to appear while dropping him off to his parents.
All four individuals were charged on account of criminal mischief after the incident.
According to reports, a friend of the suspects claimed that the police officers swarmed the criminals while labeling them as ‘rude.
’ Moreover, the friend told the Washington Examiner that people weren’t getting fair treatment by the police. He also explained that it’s not every police officer that’s involved, but the message needs to be spread and it should be done right.
This incident is the latest of many others where people went about painting across the mural. Ever since it’s revealing, the mural was vandalized twice before by two separate groups. Here, the criminals used tar alongside red paint. At the same time, they used graffiti to cover the doors of the police headquarters too.
However, police officers have still not arrested these criminals.