WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit), on May 6, issued a condemnation in response to the vandalization of a community center owned by him. The graffiti depicted pro-Palestine sentiments, with his face painted over and the words “Shri racist” and “ceasefire in Gaza” spray-painted on the walls.  “As a member of Congress, I am always open to dialogue and debate,” stated Thanedar. “Unfortunately, this vandalism of the community center is not an isolated incident, nor is it a productive form of communication. These acts create nothing but fear and division during a time that depends on open conversation and discourse.”
This incident is not the first instance of aggression, Thanedar said. He recounted previous protests that turned violent, leaving individuals hospitalized and his family feeling unsafe.
“In this case, a place designed to bring our community together was vandalized in a way that seeks to drive it apart,” he said. “I have had meetings about this with everyone that requested a meeting on my website. I have hosted town halls, held Zoom meetings, and spoken face-to-face with my constituents about this issue to make their voices heard in an appropriate and effective capacity. I am always open to productive and respectful dialogue, but this kind of vandalism is simply unacceptable.”