Chapel Hill, NC – On Saturday night, August 24, the Triangle Stop Cop City held a rally at the Peace and Justice Plaza in Chapel Hill. The Cop City organization includes a wide array of activists, some of whom engage in activities or hold views that could be controversial or extreme. After the group left to march down Franklin Street, it became apparent that someone had defaced the front of the courthouse with violent statements.
Spray painted messages included “KILL COPS,” “JIHAD NOW!” “DEATH TO COPS” and “BURN THE PRISONS.”
At this time no arrests have been made or suspects identified. Crews are working to remove the paint from the front doors and stone facade.
“This is despicable,” said DA Jeff Nieman. “Calls for violence and murder have no place in this community, and we should all denounce it in the strongest possible terms. Law enforcement officers’ risk their lives every day to keep all of us safe, including the individuals at this rally and those who spray-painted these hateful messages. I only hope those responsible can be identified so they can be held accountable in court. I encourage anyone with information about the perpetrators to contact their local law enforcement agency.”
You can reach the Orange and Chatham County’s District Attorney office at 919-360-5651.