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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.
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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.
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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.
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