Police: Public help sought to find white supremacist suspect
Columbus police have released a photo of a suspect in a weekend spree of spray painting that left the logo of a white supremacist group on downtown Columbus buildings.
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop said that authorities believe there is a single suspect who acted alone. Police describe the man as a white male, wearing eye glasses, a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a black backpack.
Lienhoop released a statement saying that the symbols in no way represent our community.
“In Columbus we welcome people of all colors, nationalities and ethnicities, who bring with them a rich culture and diversity that benefits us all. These contributions have not only enriched our community, but have allowed our community to flourish economically, enabling us to continue to bring in a dynamic workforce to support local, regional, national, and international companies. Columbus celebrates this diversity…”
If you have any information on the suspect’s identity, you can call the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600. Tips and information can be submitted anonymously.
Previously:
A downtown Columbus vandalism spree over the weekend left white supremacist graffiti on several landmark buildings.
The Republic newspaper reports that spray-painted stencils with a logo for a Texas white supremacist group were found on buildings Saturday including First Presbyterian Church and the Cummins corporate office building.
According to the newspaper, graffiti was also found in Friendship Alley between Fourth and Fifth streets downtown and on the Jackson Street parking garage.
First Presbyterian Minister Felipe N Martinez said on social media that the spray painted symbols damaged banners and windows, including two which displayed the LGBTQ pride flag and the transgender flag. He said “We are an Easter people, and we will not be intimidated by violent and sinful displays of hate, white supremacy or anti-LGBTQ prejudice.”
The incidents are under investigation by Columbus police.