Lang
8/31/20
The city of Iowa City has released an update on weekend protests by the group Iowa Freedom Riders after complaints that police were not doing enough to stop vandalism.
The city notes in a news release that public and private properties were vandalized with spray paint every night since Friday as part of the protests. However, the release goes on to say Iowa City Police will continue to prioritize public safety by assigning officers to assist with rerouting of traffic. The safety of protestors, law enforcement, and the general public will remain their top priority, according to the news release.
City officials say they will be cleaning up graffiti on public property as time allows, as many crews are currently assigned to storm recovery efforts. Private property owners, businesses, and residents can report damage to their property by calling the Iowa City Police at 319-356-6800. Anyone with information related to acts of vandalism can also contact the ICPD.
So far two men have been charged with 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief for spray-painting the Old Capitol.
While the city says it strongly supports the ability to exercise First Amendment rights and will work to protect those who wish to demonstrate those rights in the community, groups must still follow proper permitting guidelines, which were outlined last week in advance of the current protests. The city stresses vandalism or destruction of private and public property is not a First Amendment Right and will be investigated by the ICPD.
Permitting guidelines can be found at www.icgov.org/UseOfPublicWays.