Brown City police investigate racial incident

Graffiti and vandalism shock Brown City residents

 

BROWN CITY – Residents and city officials here have been shaken with a recent incident involving a family that left their home a wreck and plastered with racist graffiti.

Brown City Police are investigating the April 5 incident that has drawn the attention of people throughout the area, including the Port Huron branch of the NAACP who issued a statement late last week.

According to police in an April 9 statement, Acting Chief Marc Perez stated, “officers are investigating a breaking and entering during which the residence sustained significant damage, including…destruction of drywall, damage to entryways, and the presence of extremely profane graffiti containing hateful and racially offensive language. This type of conduct is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable.”

A social media post showed video of the disturbing images and damage done, leaving those who viewed it deeply disturbed and appalled.

The statement continued, “Brown City Police Department, along with the community as a whole, does not condone or tolerate acts of violence, vandalism, or hate in any form. While it is unfortunate that this incident has occurred, we want to reassure residents that our department is actively investigating the matter. We are working diligently and as efficiently as possible to ensure that this remains an isolated incident and that those responsible are held accountable.”

Law enforcement officials have asked community members to “remain strong and continue supporting the affected family during this difficult time.”

They have also asked anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Lt. Perez directly at 810-346-2325.

Local authorities say neither they, nor the community, tolerates the type of incident that occurred at a residence Easter weekend.

The NAACP said in response to the incident, “The recent incident, involving a family in Brown City, an alleged act of hate that has shaken not only your community, but neighboring ones as well, is deeply disturbing. The images and reports emerging from this are difficult to witness and impossible to ignore. They evoke pain, anger, and an urgent call to action.”

The statement went on to say, “Let us be clear: hate has no place in any of our communities. Not here. Not anywhere. We, as representatives of the NAACP, stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected family. No individual or family should ever have to live in fear because of who they are.”

The NAACP Port Huron Branch said this is not a moment for silence or indifference.

“It is a moment that demands outrage righteous, unified, and purposeful. When acts like this occur, they do not just impact one family; they wound the entire community. They challenge our shared values and test our commitment to justice, dignity, and humanity. We must do better. We need to do better.”

They concluded their remarks stating, “We call upon community leaders, residents, and local authorities in Sanilac County to speak out, to investigate thoroughly, and to ensure accountability where it is due. We urge neighbors to stand together. not divided by fear, but united in the belief that hate will not define who we are. True community is built not just in times of comfort, but in moments like this when we choose courage over complacency, compassion over silence, and justice over apathy. We will be watching. We will be advocating. And we will not waver in our mission to confront and eliminate hate in all its forms. Now is the time to come together and prove that this moment does not define you, but how you respond to it will. With urgency and solidarity, NAACP Port Huron Branch 3150.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact authorities.