ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The mural in the tunnel leading from Ferg's Tropicana Field was vandalized earlier this week, according to St. Petersburg Police. Swastikas and other symbols and words were spray-painted over the mural.
What You Need To Know
- Swastikas, other symbols sprayed on mural
- Police believe it happened between March 20-21
- Culprit still being sought
- More Pinellas County headlines
The Florida Holocaust Museum Executive Director Elizabeth Gelman said the vandalism was meant to send one message.
“These actions are meant to intimidate and cause real pain to the community,” Gelman said
The mural's creator Ya La 'Ford is Black and Jewish and created the mural as a bridge recognizing our connections to each other.
La 'Ford said in a statement, "My hope is that as a community we walk together with a loving heart and disavow hate when it rears its shameless head."
Police said they believe it happened sometime between March 20 and when it was discovered on March 21. They are still searching for the suspect.
The graffiti has been removed, but with the recent attacks against Asian Americans, no one is taking this incident lightly.
“Anytime you see a symbol of hate, it’s important to remember that people who hate don’t hate just one thing,” Gelman said. “They hate everything and when you denigrate or abuse any group of people you are saying it is okay to do that to all groups of people.”