Anti-Police Graffiti Appears In Montclair: ‘Cops R Murderers’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Anti-police graffiti with messages such as “Cops R Murderers” and “F*** Pigs” has been appearing in Montclair over the past month, authorities say.

The graffiti comes as the township – like others throughout the nation – continues to see peaceful protests and rallies demanding police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

According to the Montclair Police Department, the following incidents were recently reported in the township:

• June 9 (Crescent Deck) – A witness reported finding vandalism at the parking deck written in red marker that included slogans such as “Cops R Murderers” and “Blue Lives Murder.” Police said they believe the graffiti was written on June 4 around 6:45 p.m. Authorities described the suspect as a male carrying a green and gray bookbag, and wearing light-gray sweatpants, a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, a lime-green undershirt, and black and white sneakers.
• June 12 (Central Avenue/Brunswick Road) – Police responded to the area after receiving a report about vandalized stop signs. Three signs had the word “Fascism” written in spray paint or ink, authorities said.
• June 14 (Midland Avenue/Walnut Street) - Police responded to the area after receiving a report about vandalized stop signs. Two signs had the word “Fascism” written in spray paint, while “F*** Pigs!” was spray painted on a stop line, authorities said.

Montclair is among many New Jersey towns that have seen peaceful protests and rallies condemning police brutality and demanding reform in the wake of Floyd’s death.

Earlier this month, a caravan of vehicles was seen driving through Montclair, honking their horns and displaying signs that read "Black Lives Matter." In addition, dozens of protesters have been lining up on Bloomfield Avenue, hefting signs that read "Silence Is Not An Option," and "I Can't Breathe, a harrowing reference to Floyd's desperate plea to the officer who knelt on his neck.

• See related article: Peaceful George Floyd Protests In Montclair; More Planned

On June 6, hundreds of people gathered outside the Montclair Police Department Headquarters during a peaceful protest march, which included a fist-raising moment of solidarity to remember Floyd.

• See related article: Silence Reigns Outside Montclair Precinct During Peaceful Protest

Earlier this month, Montclair’s acting town government and its police chief, Todd Conforti, issued a joint statement on Floyd’s death, which claims that the town “has long been recognized as one of the most diverse in the state, if not the nation, embracing and respecting those of all races, ethnicities, sexualities and creeds.”

• See related article: Messages Of Hope, Outrage In Montclair Over George Floyd's Death

Conforti, as well as Mayor Robert Jackson, Mayor-elect Sean Spiller, Deputy Mayor Rich McMahon, Councilman William Hurlock, Councilwoman Robin Schlager, Councilwoman Renee Baskerville, Councilman Robert Russo, Councilwoman-elect Lori Price Abrams, Councilman-elect David Cummings, Councilman-elect Peter Yacobellis and Acting Township Manager Timothy Stafford wrote:

“Like you, we are outraged by the actions of law enforcement officers in Minneapolis that resulted in the senseless death of George Floyd. The actions of these officers are contrary not only to the values of the Montclair Police Department, but to everyone in law enforcement throughout the nation who swore to protect and serve their communities.”

The joint statement continued:

“The Montclair Police Department has long viewed its relationship with our community as a partnership, continually working together to make our town a better place to live, work, learn, and explore. The department embraces the community-oriented policing philosophy of welcoming suggestions and concerns from residents, business owners, and visitors, collectively addressing problems to improve relations.”

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