In light of the increase in support for the Black Lives Matter movement, many people are doing what they can to respect the black community. As just one example, on July 7, we celebrated Blackout Day, which encouraged spending at black-owned businesses only.

However, there are always going to be those people going against a cause. And on July 4, when most of us were off enjoying socially distanced BBQs and honoring our country, two people in California committed a hate crime in regards to Black Lives Matter.

Couple Nicole Anderson, 42, and David Nelson, 45, were arrested after vandalizing a Black Lives Matter street mural by covering it up with black paint. The two were charged with violating civil rights, vandalism under $400, and possession of tools to commit vandalism or graffiti.

The bright cheery yellow mural was painted just a few hours earlier that day, after getting approval from the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in downtown Martinez, California. And in just a few hours, it was completely destroyed in the most hateful way.

“We must address the root and byproduct of systemic racism in our country. The Black Lives Matter movement is an important civil rights cause that deserves all of our attention,” stated Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. “The mural completed last weekend was a peaceful and powerful way to communicate the importance of Black lives in Contra Costa County and the country. We must continue to elevate discussions and actually listen to one another in an effort to heal our community and country.”

Anderson and Nelson are looking at facing up to a year in jail for what they’ve done.

To hear more about the incident, including what others did in light of the vandalism, check out the video below.

What are your thoughts on how this situation was mediated? How are you and your community supporting the Black Lives Matter movement right now?