Rep. Shri Thanedar’s Statement on Vandalism of Community Center
Detroit, MI - May 6th, 2024 - As a member of Congress, I am always open to dialogue and debate. 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.
In the past, I have dealt with other unproductive forms of protest. One that turned violent at a holiday party last December and another consisting of individuals demonstrating at my home at 3 in the morning. These incidents ended with people in the hospital and my loved ones feeling unsafe in their own bedrooms.
In this case, a place designed to bring our community together was vandalized in a way that seeks to drive it apart.
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.
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