Trending...
- City Council Adopts Updated Resolution for 'Connect Tacoma' Ballot Proposition
- Finding the Best Lawyer: What Really Matters When Your Case Is on the Line
- Presidential Acceleration of Psychedelic Therapies Enters a Defining Moment as Federal Policy, FDA Alignment & Breakthrough Neurotechnology Converge
~ Spokane Police and Fire Respond to Arson at Intersection of Howard St and Spokane Falls Blvd
In the early hours of May 16, 2024, Spokane Police and Fire were called to the intersection of Howard St and Spokane Falls Blvd for reports of smoke and flames. According to Julie Humphreys, Communication Manager for the city, the call came in around 1:15 am.
Upon arrival, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames and notified police. During their investigation, two buckets of flammable material were recovered at the scene. Surveillance footage revealed multiple suspects dumping liquid on the street where a LGBTQ plus flag was painted and then lighting it on fire. Another suspect was seen videotaping the incident.
The targeted area suffered significant damage, specifically to a mural that will require extensive time and resources to clean up and repair. The incident is currently being investigated as an arson.
More on Washingtoner
While it appears that the mural was targeted for its representation of the LGBTQ community, it may not be considered a hate crime under current state law. However, amendments made by the WA State Legislature effective June 6th of this year will broaden the application of hate crime laws.
Specifically, RCW 9A.36.080 is being amended to include "publicly owned property" as eligible for prosecution as a hate crime. This means that individuals who maliciously cause physical damage or destruction to public property based on their perception of another person's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical or sensory disability can now be charged with a hate crime.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and more information will be released as warranted. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Spokane Police at 509-622-5868.
In the early hours of May 16, 2024, Spokane Police and Fire were called to the intersection of Howard St and Spokane Falls Blvd for reports of smoke and flames. According to Julie Humphreys, Communication Manager for the city, the call came in around 1:15 am.
Upon arrival, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames and notified police. During their investigation, two buckets of flammable material were recovered at the scene. Surveillance footage revealed multiple suspects dumping liquid on the street where a LGBTQ plus flag was painted and then lighting it on fire. Another suspect was seen videotaping the incident.
The targeted area suffered significant damage, specifically to a mural that will require extensive time and resources to clean up and repair. The incident is currently being investigated as an arson.
More on Washingtoner
- Spokane Police Make An Arrest After An Alert City Employee Calls In A Stolen Vehicle Driving Recklessly
- Advanced TeleSensors Appoints AgeTech Innovator Tiffany Wey, MBA as Vice President of Sales & Marketing
- Daniel Kaufman Real Estate Venture LoneStar Kaufman Development Partners Expands
- Brian D Chase Selected to the 2026 Nation's Top One Percent Personal Injury Lawyers
- Gravis Law Earns 2026 Great Place To Work Certification™ with 89% Employee Approval
While it appears that the mural was targeted for its representation of the LGBTQ community, it may not be considered a hate crime under current state law. However, amendments made by the WA State Legislature effective June 6th of this year will broaden the application of hate crime laws.
Specifically, RCW 9A.36.080 is being amended to include "publicly owned property" as eligible for prosecution as a hate crime. This means that individuals who maliciously cause physical damage or destruction to public property based on their perception of another person's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical or sensory disability can now be charged with a hate crime.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and more information will be released as warranted. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Spokane Police at 509-622-5868.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- CCHR Says New OIG Report Raises Concerns about Drugging Elderly with Antipsychotics
- Spokane: Abor Day Celebration 2026
- Spokane Launches 'Summer of Soccer' Community Campaign
- Project Pretzel Introduces a New System for Running Renovation Projects with Built In Contracts and Real Time Execution
- Holistic Animal Wellness Expert Vicki Draper Releases Ebook to Help Pet Parents Reduce Anxiety and Create Calm Homes
- Spokane: Proposal Seeks to Advance Affordable Housing Projects Through Targeted TIF Investment
- Freedomtech Solutions creates 'Global Data Centre Network (IDCN)'
- Dual-Engine Growth Strategy Ignited: AI Infrastructure Breakout Meets Scalable Circular Economy Expansion: Marwynn Holdings, Inc. (N A S D A Q: MWYN)
- Super Bowl Champion Marvel Smith Inspires Launch of MVP-IQ Platform to Help Football Players Develop and Get Recruited Like the Pros
- The Future of Classic Cars in a World Moving Beyond Gasoline: How Electric Conversion Is Saving America's Automotive Heritage
- Tacoma: Pothole Palooza Returns May 4 – 15 to Focus on Maintenance and Preservation of 10 Arterial Roadways
- Xtel Communications Appoints David Appleman as VP of Strategic Sales
- L2 Aviation Acquires Advance Aero
- $112 Million Contract Backlog for Cycurion (N A S D A Q: CYCU) Enters Hyper-Growth Phase With, Strategic Acquisitions, & Exploding AI Cybersecurity
- HarryPotterObamaSonic10Inu Celebrates World Record 1,000+ Days Livestream with Record-Breaking Merchandise Launch
- Igniting High-Growth Expansion as Electrification Strategy and Infrastructure Dominance Converge; 88% Revenue Growth (N Y S E: MWG)
- Appliance EMT Presents Multi-Thousand Dollar Donation to Kids Motel Ministry to Support Local Families
- New Report Reveals Plane Crashes Are Not Where You'd Think
- City Council Adopts Updated Resolution for 'Connect Tacoma' Ballot Proposition
- Vangal Invests $3M Seed in Help Viber, Expanding into AI-Powered Customer Support and Communication