Spray painted message saying “Free Gaza” at the Carol and Jim Laub Plaza, Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo: Mendon 411 on Facebook)
LOGAN — Law enforcement is investigating a pair of vandalism incidents that occurred at the new Carol and Jim Laub Plaza downtown and the Army Recruiting Station, north of the Cache Valley Mall.
The investigations began after local residents reported finding several spray painted messages Monday morning at both 55 N. Main Street and 165 E. 1400 North.
The suspect or suspects allegedly used red spray paint, writing several pro-Palestinian messages on the sidewalk, wall and new ice rink. The messages read: Free Gaza, Cease Fire Now, and Free Palestine.
Logan City Police Chief Jeff Simmons said the graffiti was very disappointing to city leaders, who just opened the downtown plaza in October. The two incidents appear to be related, due to the similar messaging.
It is suspected the vandalism occurred sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Logan City Parks and Recreation Director Russ Akina said staff were able to use a pressure washer and paint to clean up the spray paint Monday. The full damage amount is still being added up, but is estimated to around $500-$800.
Simmons said there are security cameras installed around the plaza. Unfortunately, they were undergoing a software update over the weekend and not operating at the time the vandalism occurred.
No other damage was found other than the spray painted messages.
Police don’t have any suspects yet and are asking the public to contact them if they saw anything suspicious near either location.
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