27 Campaign Signs Vandalized in Howard County, Police Say

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Campaign signs have been vandalized around Howard County, where local law enforcement is on the lookout for those responsible for the destruction.

The county executive called the acts of vandalism "senseless" and "illegal," issuing a statement on the issue.

"We must choose the civil path of open dialogue and debate and not resort to the malicious destruction to make a point," County Executive Allan Kittleman said. ”In this often polarizing political climate that we now find ourselves, we must find ways to rise above the name-calling, rancor and acts of destruction when someone else’s views challenge our own."

There have been 27 reports of campaign signs vandalized or stolen since Aug. 1, according to Howard County police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn. She did not disclose whether the signs were targeting one particular candidate.

"All cases are investigated by police in the same way, regardless of the description of the sign," Llewellyn said.

However, a local campaign coordinator for Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump told the Howard County Times that one third of large Trump signs around the county — in particular, those in downtown Columbia — have been ripped, burned and graffitied with things such as the word "rapist" in the past week.

If people see someone damaging a sign, police encourage them to call 911 to report it.

Statement from County Executive Allan Kittleman on sign vandalism (Wednesday, Oct. 12):

“One of the bedrock principles of this country is our ability to freely express political views in a civil way. Regardless of a person’s party affiliation or their passionate beliefs, being tolerant of each other’s opinions is something we hold dear in Howard County.

“Sadly, there have been dozens of instances here lately where political campaign signs have been vandalized. Not only are these acts senseless and illegal, they run counter to the shared beliefs of respect and inclusion that have made this community a model for others to follow. Destroying political signs is a crime. Should anyone be arrested and charged in these instances, they could face a heavy fine, time in jail or both.

“More importantly, it’s not what we want to be as a society. In this often polarizing political climate that we now find ourselves, we must find ways to rise above the name-calling, rancor and acts of destruction when someone else’s views challenge our own. We must choose the civil path of open dialogue and debate and not resort to the malicious destruction to make a point.”

Picture of Trump sign courtesy of Frank Mirabile, local Trump campaign organizer.