1 arrested after spraying racist graffiti on LGBT center in Fairview Park, police say (video)

By On Jul 2, 2022

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio (WOIO) – One person was arrested Saturday after a video showed racist graffiti being sprayed on an LGBT advocacy center, according to Fairview Park Police.

The individual is suspected to be responsible for both this incident, which happened July 1, and a separate incident on June 12, Patrolman Matt McIntyre said in a press release on June 2.

Fairview Park police previously said the person seen below spray-painted racist graffiti on the exterior of Colors+ Youth Center on Lorain Road.

According to Fairview Park police, the suspect also tossed a brick through the window, aiming at a displayed Black Lives Matter flag.

Police said the suspect did not enter the building.

But residents like Ryan Neuhaus, a father of five who has lived in the community for ten years are angered and hurt, believing the suspect from the community.

“My son, he’s gay and he was pretty hurt by this, and my wife, him and I all had the conversation,” Neuhaus said. “We can’t understand why this level of hatred is still happening.”

Colors+ Youth Center released a statement on Facebook announcing that Friday night programming was canceled:

“This morning we discovered that the COLORS+ Center was vandalized. The front windows were damaged and no one was injured. The building administration and authorities are on the scene assessing the situation.

We know that in the current social and political climate, acts of violence create anxiety and threaten physical and psychological safety. There will be no programming at the Center tonight as we make repairs and assess for any losses.

We prioritize the safety and well-being of the visitors and staff at COLORS+ and are taking steps to create a safe environment for all.

We knew this was a possibility with more visibility, but more than anything we want youth to know that we’re not going anywhere. Black lives matter. Trans Lives Matter. LGBTQ+ lives matter. We will continue to fight to have a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and families.”

A court date has been set for July 5, police said.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as more details are released.

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