Police in Huntington Beach, California arrested a Fontana man after finding several campaign signs for Dave Min scrawled with racial slurs.
The Los Angeles Times reports authorities suspect Kevin William Walker, 62, of vandalism of property worth more than $400. Authorities believe he scribbled graffiti on “Dave Min for Congress” signs on Magnolia Street and Mediterranean Drive.
However, they do not know if he also is responsible for defacing the signs earlier the same day on Lamar Drive and Newland Street.
Min, a Democrat, is running for Congress in the 47th District against Republican Scott Baugh, one of several key races that could determine if the GOP retains control of the House.
“It is saddening, but not surprising, that we are seeing this type of anti-Asian hate in the immediate aftermath of the Trump MAGA event in Huntington Beach this weekend,” said Min in a statement sent to AsAmNews. “This type of hate speech does not represent the values of Orange County, and I urge my fellow Orange County elected officials to join me in condemning it.”
A photo shared by Min’s campaign shows the racial slur “g*ok” written across the entire width of the sign.
Police told News Santana that Walker acted as part of an organized group effort and believe he acted alone.
Baugh’s campaign joined Min in condemning the act.
“We condemn any vandalism of property, including political signs of any candidate for public office. And, as Scott has repeatedly said, there is absolutely no room for racism of any kind in America,” said campaign manager Nic Gerard.
Police encourage anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a sharp rise in hate in recent years due to the xenophobia and racism that have come to define Donald Trump’s MAGA movement,” said Min. “We’ve all seen and heard Trump’s anti-Asian rhetoric and his racist comments about Haitian immigrants. Locally, Orange County residents are being bombarded with Scott Baugh and MAGA Republican hit pieces baselessly claiming I want to create open borders because I’m the child of immigrants.”
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