Mayor Eddie Melton’s Statement on the Defacement and Vandalism at City Hall

Citizens of Gary, last night, our City Hall and the statue of Mayor Richard G. Hatcher was defaced with spray paint. The Gary Police Department is currently investigating this situation and our team is working diligently to clean up our property as well as the statue.

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It’s a disgrace that anyone would come to disrespect City Hall, a place where we conduct business and serve the people of Gary, every day. It’s even more shameful that the vandals dishonored Mayor Richard G. Hatcher, a national historical figure who fought for the people of Gary and the marginalized and oppressed around the world.   

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As Mayor, I’ve been fighting every day to bring new investments and opportunities for Gary to tell its true story. I will not allow this dark moment to stop our momentum or distract us from the greatness that we are reigniting in our city.

We support the 1^stAmendment and recognize the rights of citizens to use their voice, but no level of protest should result in the destruction of property. This act does not reflect the character of the majority of the citizens in our community, who work hard every day to make this a Greater Gary.