In a troubling act of vandalism, a 30-year-old woman has been arrested in Iowa after defacing 10 properties, including two Latino-owned restaurants, with swastikas.
The suspect, Alisa Statts, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning and faces 14 charges, including the threat of terrorism, according to the Muscatine Police Department.
Swastikas Found at Latino-Owned Restaurants
On Sunday, swastikas were found scrawled on the door of Jibaro Restaurant in Muscatine, a city near the Illinois border.
The offensive graffiti included a swastika over a Puerto Rican flag, accompanied by a hateful message that read, “We don’t want you here.”
Just a few blocks away, similar vandalism was discovered at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, where swastikas were drawn on the exterior wall.
Both restaurants serve the local Latino community and were left reeling from the racist attack.
Local Reactions and Police Efforts
After the graffiti was discovered, the community came together to support the businesses.
Muscatine’s mayor, Brad Bark, who also serves as the president of the city’s chamber of commerce, said that residents shared videos and photos with police in an effort to help identify the culprit.
Although he condemned the vandalism, Mayor Bark called the appearance of swastikas an isolated incident, assuring that the offensive symbols had already been removed from the businesses.
“These swastikas have been erased from the buildings, and life goes on,” he said, emphasizing that the city would not let this act of hatred define it.
Community Support and Restaurant Statements
Both restaurants responded publicly to the vandalism, expressing resilience in the face of hate.
Jibaro Restaurant posted a defiant statement on Facebook, saying that the graffiti would not stop them from serving the Muscatine community.
“These types of people do not represent the community of Muscatine.
These are people with very little personality and in need of attention,” the post read.
The restaurant went on to say they would continue contributing to the city, unaffected by the hate.
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant echoed a similar message, with the Vazquez family expressing their dismay at the vandalism.
“We were deeply disheartened to discover the recent vandalism to our restaurant and neighboring businesses, an act rooted in hate that does not reflect the values of love, respect, and unity that we hold dear,” the family said in a Facebook post.
They thanked their supporters, emphasizing that together they would continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Outpouring of Support on Social Media
The community’s response on social media was swift, with many showing solidarity with the defaced restaurants.
One commenter on Jibaro’s Facebook post reassured the restaurant, saying, “We absolutely DO want you here.
The food is amazing, you guys are great and I’ll be back soon.
Don’t let a handful of idiots discourage you.”
Another user pointed out the absurdity of the racist attack, writing, “People born in Puerto Rico are US citizens.
Puerto Rico is a US territory. The Puerto Rican flag is our flag!”
The support from the community has been overwhelming, and both restaurants remain determined to continue their business and stand strong in the face of hate.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrest
Alisa Statts was arrested after the police investigation led them to her as the primary suspect in the vandalism.
She has been charged with multiple offenses related to the incident, including the serious charge of threatening terrorism.
The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities continuing to assess the full extent of the damage done.
The actions of the community, as well as the local businesses’ determination to stay open and united, stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of Muscatine’s residents in confronting hate and supporting one another.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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