Dept. Of Public Safety Asks For Public’s Help To ID Capitol Graffiti Suspects
Jun 9, 2020, 5:34 PM | Updated: 5:36 pm
Vandalism can be seen on the grounds at the Utah State Capitol Building the morning after protests in downtown Salt Lake on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Garna Mejia, KSL TV)
(Garna Mejia, KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Officials with the Utah Department of Public Safety are asking for the public’s help to identify individuals who may have defaced the Utah State Capitol with graffiti during recent protests.
Parts of the capitol complex were “defaced with graffiti containing derogatory messages and images” during May 30’s protests, police said.
“Sworn members of DPS swear an oath to obey and defend the Constitution of the United States. Part of one’s constitutional rights are the rights of free speech, to peaceably assemble and petition specific platforms,” officials said.” DPS is closely listening to those seeking reform and is working with Utah’s communities to better understand and help with those reform efforts.
“Illegal acts, like vandalism, property damage and other crimes that occurred during recent demonstrations distract from the messaging and efforts of legal demonstrators and will be appropriately addressed.”
DPS officials said several people who may have participated in the illegal activity been identified and they were working with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office to screen charges where appropriate.
Anyone with information that would help officials identify those who participated in these illegal activities was asked to call the State Bureau of Investigation at (801) 965-4747 or (801) 887-3800.
The Utah State Capitol falls under the jurisdiction of the Utah Highway Patrol, which operates under the DPS.
