2 charged with hate crime for vandalizing Black Lives Matter mural

Two have been charged with a hate crime as well as other misdemeanors for vandalizing a Black Lives Matter mural in California.

Video captured the pair in Martinez, California painting over a Black Lives Matter mural with black paint. The pair were identified by police as Nicole Anderson, 42, and David Nelson, 53.

Nelson was heard on camera defending the defacing of the mural. "No one wants Black Lives Matter Here," Nelson said. "All Lives Matter."

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office said they both face charges after the act of vandalism on July 4th. Prosecutors accused Nelson of aiding the vandalism which is seen and heard on video.

A Martinez resident applied for a permit to paint the temporary mural on a downtown road. The pair began defacing the mural soon after it was completed.

The pair was able to paint over the letters “B” and “L.” The pair are charged with violation of civil rights, vandalism and possession of tools to commit vandalism. If convicted, they could face up to one year in jail.

See footage of the vandalism below.

Source: CBSNews


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