Earlier today at approximately 10:42 a.m., Richmond Police officers responded to the 2800 block of Dupont Circle at the mural site of Richmond’s icon, Arthur Ashe. There, officers discovered the mural had been defaced with paint in the form of the insignias associated with the white nationalist group, Patriot Front.
“Hate will not be tolerated in Richmond”, said Police Chief Gerald M. Smith. “We are asking for the public’s help by being another set of eyes on the murals and monuments of Richmond.”
RPD will be monitoring monuments and murals city-wide.
Today’s reported incident is the second this week, following a report of vandalism of a mural on a structure in the 3000 block of Meadowbridge Road, which was defaced with similar markings.
RPD is in coordination with other law enforcement agencies and city departments as the investigation continues. If you see suspicious activity or have images or video footage that may aid in the investigation, please contact RPD at (804) 646-5100. The RPD takes investigations of vandalism seriously and if damage from vandalism is $1,000 or more the person(s) responsible can be charged with a felony.
Anyone with information about vandalism can also call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
