Trump-supporting White couple paint over city-approved BLM mural, claim 'there is no oppression or racism'
Supporters of President Donald Trump justify painting over Black Lives Matter mural that had been approved by a Californian City. The Trump supporters were heard saying, "There is no oppression, there is no racism." A Martinez-commissioned mural had been approved to commemorate and mark the fight against racial inequality and police brutality, Unilad reports.
Authorities in California are on the lookout for an unidentified couple who defaced and painted over a sanctioned Black Lives Matter mural with black varnish. The police are now searching for a White male and female who appeared to be sporting 'Make America Great Again' apparel.
The couple went to the mural which is in front of the city courthouse in downtown Martinez on July 4, Saturday. In the video footage, the woman is seen pouring a can of black varnish over the mural and trying to paint over the bright yellow letters. According to the Daily Mail, bystanders can be heard asking the woman, "What's wrong with you". The man who was with the female then responds to the witness saying, "We're sick of the narrative, that's what is wrong." "The narrative of police brutality, the narrative of oppression, the narrative of racism, it's a lie," the man said. Soon an argument began between the man and the bystanders while the woman continued to deface the mural.
The man says, "There is no oppression. There is no racism. It's a leftist lie...from the media." The female has an outburst and yells at a witness, "Keep that s****' in f****** New York! It's not happening in my town!" The woman seemed to be referring to the Black Lives Matter murals that had been approved in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio had also announced that they would be painting a BLM mural right outside POTUS Donald Trump's 'Trump Tower' on Fifth Avenue.
Many murals have been put up to show solidarity with the movement in light of the death of George Floyd and many other Black Americans who have died due to police brutality. The movement also opposes racial inequality and the disregard for Black lives. George Floyd, 46, lost his life after a now-former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes despite Floyd pleading that he could not breathe.
Eventually, Floyd lost consciousness and died. His death was the tipping point and led to not just nationwide but worldwide protests against racial discrimination and police brutality.
The Martinez Police Department released a statement that reads, "The community spent a considerable amount of time putting the mural together only to have it painted over in a hateful and senseless manner." "The City of Martinez values tolerance and the damage to the mural was divisive and hurtful. Please help us identify those that are responsible for this crime, so they can be held accountable for their actions," the statement continues.
The police also released a picture of the pair's vehicle which is believed to be a Nissan pickup truck that has the word 'Nicole' written on the right side in silver lettering. "The truck has a camper shell and the license plate is 52701B1," the press release revealed.