Suspect Arrested After Vandalism of Black Lives Matter Mural in Mamaroneck

MAMARONECK, NY — Village of Mamaroneck Police say an arrest has been made after an individual threw a can of paint at the Black Lives Matter mural located on Van Ranst Place then fled in a vehicle. At approximately 2:30 pm, a citizen advised a VMPD officer, who was on foot patrol, of damage that had just occurred to the BLM mural.

Officers responded to the location and observed a can of paint laying on the ground and tire marks spanning the length of the mural. It is unknown if the subsequent tire marks were caused intentionally, as the individual who threw the paint left in a different direction.

A paint lid with white paint on it remained on the sidewalk this evening.

There is a New Rochelle connection to the BLM mural, the name of Kamal Flowers is painted on the “E” in “LIVES” on the mural. Flowers was shot and killed in New Rochelle on June 5, 2020.

The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department says the incident is still under investigation. No further information is being released at this time.

Statement from Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Thomas Murphy

It would appear that the BLM memorial was vandalized. The police are investigating if they find conclusively that this was purposefully vandalized (as it would appear but we should let the investigation play out) I would hope this is classified as a hate crime and the full weight of the law is exercised against the culprits.

This ignorant and unkind act will definitely not be what defines us as a community. We will repair and repaint the memorial in the same spirit of cooperation and understanding that was evident when we came together as a community to create it.

I believe that this happened because we are a community that has worked to begin the process of open dialogue to heal the pain and hurt that racism has caused in our society. This is an act of fear from those who sense that society is changing for the better. That society is becoming more fair and more tolerant despite their efforts to roll back progress.

Let us continue to bind up the wounds that hundreds of years of racism, both explicit and implicit, have created. Let’s not leave the task of healing to the next generation. Let us boldly and bravely do the difficult work that has too long been avoided and ignored.

I have a marrow deep faith in the goodness and kindness of Mamaroneck’s residents. I have seen it in action too often to ever doubt it. I know that we will do our duty and not leave this legacy to our children and grandchildren.

All live won’t matter, until Black Lives Matter!

In September 2020, the Village Board of Trustees initially voted 3-2 against painting the street mural but later the same month votes 5-0 to approve painting the mural on Van Ranst Place. The mural, paid for out of private funds, was painted in October.