“The hate crime that occurred in the Eighth District sometime on Thursday was a targeted and deliberate act to inflict fear and incite violence. Four swastikas were painted over the images of women Black Panthers on the historic Crenshaw Wall, a two-block-long work of art in the heart of the Crenshaw community. This is yet another example of dangerous, racist sentiment and actions that are beginning to characterize this period of time, and we are not immune to it in Los Angeles.
I am working directly with LAPD to ensure that anyone caught will be punished to the full extent of the law. LAPD will determine if there is evidence that this is the hate crime that it appears to be. The Crenshaw Wall is a beloved cultural anchor of our community. It is also a centerpiece of our Destination Crenshaw project, which will elevate the African American history and culture of this community. City funds have been allocated for an overdue restoration of this historic piece of public art, and local artists have immediately responded this morning to begin removal of the swastikas in a way that minimizes harm to the artwork.”
