Santa Cruz chief of police addresses community after BLM mural vandalization

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) Mayor Donna Meyers and Chief of Police Andy Mills addressed the public Sunday regarding the vandalization of the Black Lives Matter mural in front of City Hall.

Two men have been arrested in connection to the case.

Tension ran high during the community discussing the arrest and charge of 20-year-old Brandon Bochat and 19-year-old Hagan Warner for felony vandalism and conspiracy to commit a felony. Both are accused of taking turns burning out and intentionally marking the mural. Now, there are questions and arguments among residents about whether this incident constitutes a hate crime.

"This wasn't a simple act of vandalism, this was a terrorist act against the black community," said one community member.

Another opposed the community's reaction to the vandalism.

"Personally, I've seen some worse stuff that's never had a community meeting," said one member of the public.

The Santa Cruz Police Department says they're collecting the evidence needed to make the case for a hate crime and if the elements are met, will seek appropriate charges.

"Determining whether or not this was an attack on the organization or the individuals who comprise the organization will be important. We believe that taking a look at the organization will be important. We believe that taking a look at the immediate accounts of those people might boost it to that level," said Andy Mills, Police Chief of the Santa Cruz Police Department.

For community members, the defacing of the mural is symbolic.

Thairie Ritchie, a community activist said, "It definitely sends an emotional and damaging psychological message of there's a segment of the community that doesn't want you."

For now, the two individuals haven't been charged with a hate crime and Santa Cruz Police say they are still looking for more individuals involved with the vandalism.