SPOKANE, Wash. — City leaders took the the public Friday to raise alarms about hate in Spokane, and the most recent incident brought some officials to tears.
The day after the Pride crosswalk in downtown Spokane was set on fire, dozens of city leaders came together to support the LGBTQ+ community and condemn the act of vandalism. The incident is being investigated as an arson, and as police work to find whoever is responsible, the city reiterated that what occurred is not OK.
According to the Spokane Police Department (SPD), someone vandalized the rainbow crosswalk in front of Riverfront Park at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. According to police, video surveillance shows multiple people dumping liquid on the mural before setting it on fire. One of the suspects reportedly videotaped the vandalism.
Police said significant damage was done to the mural.
During a press conference on Friday, Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson was joined by dozens of other city officials to denounce the incident. Wilkerson became visibly emotional as she told the community it can and must do better.
"These are my fellow citizens that live here," she said. "I know it was called vandalism, but it was hate."
Spokane City Councilmember Zack Zappone said he is working with the attorney general's office to set up a hate crimes hotline. Wilkerson said she is working with Spokane police to add more moderation and cameras to the area.
"This is the hard part," Wilkerson said. "The accountability starts with everybody. We apologize to our city for what's going on, but we need your help."
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown sent out the following statement statement condemning the vandalism:
“I am deeply troubled by the repeated defacement of Spokane’s Pride flag mural on Spokane Falls Boulevard and Howard Street. This is not only an act of vandalism, but a hate-fueled act that goes against our values of equality, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. I unequivocally denounce such behavior and look forward to those responsible being brought to justice. To the LGBTQ+ community, please know that I stand in solidarity with you against all forms of discrimination and prejudice.”
Spokane Pride is raising money to repaint the mural. To donate, click here.
To watch the full press conference, use the player below:
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Under a recently signed Washington law, the defacement of public property is now considered a hate crime. Since the Pride crosswalk vandalism took place before that law takes effect in June, the new law won't apply to the suspects if and when they are arrested.
During the 2024 session, Washington state Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane) introduced Senate Bill 59-17 in response to vandalism of Spokane LGBTQ+ landmarks, including the same downtown crosswalk and one in the Perry District. To be found guilty under the statute, a person must act maliciously and intentionally based on a person's race, color, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
However, said legislation will not go into effect until June. Right now, state law says that a hate crime can only be charged if a victim's private property is vandalized. The new law closes that loophole and expands it to include public property.
Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell said his office is still investigating to determine if the latest incident meets the requirements to be prosecuted as a hate crime.
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