Posted on Jun 1, 2022
Law enforcement investigating vandalism targeting homes of NHPR journalists
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A reporter’s current and former homes in Melrose, Mass., and Hampstead, N.H., were vandalized early in the morning of Saturday, May 21, police said. In Melrose, a person spray-painted the words “Just the beginning!” in red on the home, threw a brick through a window and was seen running away.
Earlier that morning, in Hampstead, a vandal spray-painted an obscenity on the garage door and threw a brick at the house, police said.
On April 24, a vandal or vandals had spray-painted the same obscenity in red on the same Hampstead residence, as well as homes in Concord and Hanover, N.H., and threw bricks at each house, breaking windows and causing other damage, according to police.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said during a press conference Thursday that investigators are looking at recent work by the reporter whose house was vandalized.
Earlier that morning, in Hampstead, a vandal spray-painted an obscenity on the garage door and threw a brick at the house, police said.
On April 24, a vandal or vandals had spray-painted the same obscenity in red on the same Hampstead residence, as well as homes in Concord and Hanover, N.H., and threw bricks at each house, breaking windows and causing other damage, according to police.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said during a press conference Thursday that investigators are looking at recent work by the reporter whose house was vandalized.
Law enforcement investigating vandalism targeting homes of NHPR journalists
Posted from nhpr.org
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Posted 2 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."“The incidents of vandalism would be concerning on their own. If it is determined that that motive that we are looking at is in fact the reason for these attacks, if it is either in retaliation for some work that she has done or intimidation around work she may be contemplating, that obviously involves some First Amendment concerns, and is obviously much more disturbing,” Ryan said.
Ryan released a surveillance video of a man throwing a brick at the Melrose home on Lynn Fells Parkway. Police described the suspect as a slender white man, about 5 feet 10 inches, wearing a light blue hooded raincoat, khaki pants, black sneakers and a blue-green backpack. The video shows the suspect fleeing past several people toward Lincoln Street."...
..."“The incidents of vandalism would be concerning on their own. If it is determined that that motive that we are looking at is in fact the reason for these attacks, if it is either in retaliation for some work that she has done or intimidation around work she may be contemplating, that obviously involves some First Amendment concerns, and is obviously much more disturbing,” Ryan said.
Ryan released a surveillance video of a man throwing a brick at the Melrose home on Lynn Fells Parkway. Police described the suspect as a slender white man, about 5 feet 10 inches, wearing a light blue hooded raincoat, khaki pants, black sneakers and a blue-green backpack. The video shows the suspect fleeing past several people toward Lincoln Street."...
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Having read the article, mostly I find it a big yawn. The police are investigating a series of crimes. Isn't that what we have police for?
On the other hand, there are two things about this article that I do find disturbing.
1. It sounds like the police are devoting resources to investigate a series of minor misdemeanors simply because the victims have political influence. Would the police department be as diligent investing these minor misdemeanors if the victims were ordinary citizens? In a small town, perhaps they would, but that's certainly not the impression I get from this article.
2. I am appalled that the Middlesex County District Attorney apparently does not comprehend what the First Amendment says and means. There are absolutely no "First Amendment concerns" with these incidents of vandalism unless the vandalism is being committed by the government. Vandalism is a crime, and it certainly should be investigated and prosecuted, but it absolutely does not raise any "First Amendment concerns." Hopefully Ms. Ryan is just grandstanding for the media because I would really be concerned if a lawyer in her position as County District Attorney were really that ignorant of the law.
On the other hand, there are two things about this article that I do find disturbing.
1. It sounds like the police are devoting resources to investigate a series of minor misdemeanors simply because the victims have political influence. Would the police department be as diligent investing these minor misdemeanors if the victims were ordinary citizens? In a small town, perhaps they would, but that's certainly not the impression I get from this article.
2. I am appalled that the Middlesex County District Attorney apparently does not comprehend what the First Amendment says and means. There are absolutely no "First Amendment concerns" with these incidents of vandalism unless the vandalism is being committed by the government. Vandalism is a crime, and it certainly should be investigated and prosecuted, but it absolutely does not raise any "First Amendment concerns." Hopefully Ms. Ryan is just grandstanding for the media because I would really be concerned if a lawyer in her position as County District Attorney were really that ignorant of the law.
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They are journalist, I'll use that term lightly, I'm sure the police will work to defend them vigorously
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