Spokane GOP offices vandalized, county chair suggests incident be investigated as ‘hate crime’
On Sunday, KHQ reported that offices shared by the Spokane, Washington, GOP and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., were hit by vandals who wrote, “refugees welcome,” and “Nazi scum” on the windows of the building.
According to KHQ:
…Party Chairman Stephanie Cates says that the pen used to tag the building was found at the scene, and has been handed over to police. Cates also says she believes the building was targeted in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s executive order instituting a travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries.
In a statement release Sunday, Cates said, “One should not have to fear their personal safety, nor suffer destruction of personal property, because of their political beliefs.”
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KHQ posted Cates’ full statement:
Sunday morning, I was alerted to an act of vandalism at our Spokane County Republican Party office that we share with the Cathy McMorris Rodgers for Congress campaign. The content of the messages and slurs appears to be in retaliation for recent actions taken by President Trump to increase security screenings on individuals coming into the U.S. from countries either torn apart by jihadist violence or under the control of hostile, jihadist governments.
“I have filed a report with the Spokane Police Department and the instrument used to mark up our windows has been taken by the officers to check for fingerprints.
“Acts of vandalism motivated by race or religion are classified by the police as “malicious harassment” — and commonly known as “hate crimes”. This incident brings up the issue of whether such attacks motivated by political affiliation should be included in that classification. One should not have to fear their personal safety, nor suffer destruction of personal property, because of their political beliefs.”
The Spokane Democratic Party issued a statement condemning the vandalism:
We have heard a troubling report that the @SpokaneGOP headquarters have been vandalized. The Spokane County Democrats condemns this action in the strongest possible terms and offers our assistance in the cleanup and repair. This type of behavior is never acceptable. We call on people to actively engage in civic life, without hatred, violence, fear.
But it seems that some weren’t willing to follow the Party’s lead:
“Acts of vandalism motivated by race or religion are classified by the police as ‘malicious harassment’ — and commonly known as ‘hate crimes’. This incident brings up the issue of whether such attacks motivated by political affiliation should be included in that classification. One should not have to fear their personal safety, nor suffer destruction of personal property, because of their political beliefs.’ Unless enacted by das Fuher Trump or his ilk. Then it’s perfectly ok,” one person wrote at KHQ’s website.
Good.
— Derek Martin (@derekchad) January 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/thanatos_rises/status/825845422488961025
While destroying property is wrong we are afraid. This is not ok never voting for you again.
— Karan not asking for the manager (@karankees) January 29, 2017
nope. @GOP is guilty of hate crimes. Windows can be washed.
— Antifa Den Mother (@lisapalermo_) January 29, 2017
Related:
- Obama-appointed judge issues stay against Trump immigration ban
- Domestic terrorism: NC GOP office vandalized, photo of suspect released
- Domestic terrorism: Bricks thrown through windows of Delaware County GOP office
- Arizona GOP headquarters target of bomb threat
- Milo event at UC Davis canceled thanks to violent liberal protesters
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