Investigators from the Calgary Police Service’s hate crimes unit are investigating the vandalism of a Black Lives Matter mural in the community of Sunnyside.
Detectives believe the mural was targeted between Friday and Saturday, when it’s believed vandals “used white paint in an attempt to cover up the BLM artwork.”
“We are looking at the use of white paint in particular as a possible indicator of a hate-motivated crime,” hate crimes coordinator Const. Craig Collins said in a news release.
“It is crucial that we look at every aspect of an act of vandalism and explore all possible intentions and motivations.”
The artwork was painted as part of the containR Art Park on 2 Avenue N.W., and has been targeted once before.
Investigators have yet to identify any suspects and no descriptions are available.
“If there is sufficient evidence to suggest a hate bias, the case will proceed as a hate crime file and be designated to a Specialized Crime Crown Prosecutor,” police said.
If hate is determined to be a motivating factor for the vandalism by a judge, that can be added as an aggravating factor in the convicted person’s sentencing, police said.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Calgary police at 403-266-1234 or to contact Crime Stoppers.