Trending...
- AdvisorVault Adds Social Media Archiving to its Consolidated D3P Service
- City of Spokane Launches New Webpage, Notice Document to Connect Residents with Eviction Prevention Resources
- Ecuador Freedom Launches First Scheduled Motorcycle Tour of Northern Peru's Lost Kingdoms
~ 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
- New Tribute Song Celebrating Seattle'
- New analysis reveals second job workers keep just 80p in every pound they earn
- NRE Health Institute Launches International Study Examining Motivations Behind Non-Sexual Nudity
- A Foundational Claim in Human Secrecy Goes Public
- Agape Leadership Academy Opens Nationwide Enrollment — State ESA Scholarships Cover Full Tuition for Families in 7 States
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
- Tacoma Dome Welcomes Class of 2026
- Finnish Political Satire Film Generates 10,000+ Cross-Platform Interactions Following Gandalf Parody Video Across TikTok, YouTube and Telegram
- City of Tacoma Launches 'Tidy-Up Tacoma: Summer 2026' With Major Gateway Cleanup Effort
- Grady Bay Capital Completes Acquisition of Brickhouse GPS
- AI Is Making It Easier for API-First Platforms to Connect, Partner, Reach Customers, and Grow Revenue Faster
- 2026 Editorial Freelancers Association Conference Focuses on Building Sustainable Careers
- netElastic Powers LigaT's High-Performance Broadband Expansion and IPv6 Modernization in Portugal
- Raiku launches rkuSOL with Sanctum, Kamino, Loopscale and Exponent
- Greenland Mines Ltd (N A S D A Q: GRML) Advances Strategic Growth Initiatives as Critical Minerals Demand Accelerates
- Entering the $69 Billion Animal Health Market, Delivering Record Growth, AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation, and Targeting $200 Million Revenue by 2029
- $97.9 Million Q1 Revenue Growth Reinforces Transformation Into a Global AI & Digital Services Powerhouse: IQSTEL, Inc. (N A S D A Q: IQST)
- City of Tacoma Attracts More Affordable Housing to Proctor Neighborhood
- Tacoma: Homicide Investigation – 800 Block of Martin Luther King JR Way
- Spokane: Community Days At City Council Celebrating Student Civic Engagement
- Boston Industrial Solutions Launches Natron® 348 UV Inkjet Ink for Epson S3200 Print Heads
- Heritage at South Brunswick Unveils Luxury Resort-Style Amenities Designed for Every Generation
- Spokane: Working Smoke Alarms Help Seven Escape Early-Morning House Fire
- CAPHRA warns push for ASEAN vape ban ignores science
- Spokane: Egypt National Team to Hold Open Training Session at Gonzaga University Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™
- Your Mortgage Toolbox Launches Free Mortgage Calculators That Show the Real Monthly Payment and Cash Needed to Close