Minneapolis Charter Commission chair’s property vandalized after vote on police reform amendment

The Minneapolis Charter Commission chairman reported to authorities that his property near downtown was vandalized with spray paint and eggs over the weekend.

Last week, the charter commission voted to delay advancing a ballot question on police reform in Minneapolis to voters in November.

“It’s sad and disappointing,” Barry Clegg said in an interview with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on Monday afternoon about the graffiti.

The expletive-filled messages spayed on the concrete around the property were clear the person or persons responsible were upset with the commission’s 10-5 vote last week.

“I know some on the City Council have been subjected to the same thing and it’s completely inappropriate,” Clegg said.

Recently, the home of Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender was also vandalized as she has led efforts on possible police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Home of Minneapolis City Council president vandalized

Clegg said the Minneapolis City Council rushed the proposed amendment without enough public input or specifics of police reform to the commission.

“The amendment is not clear and concise," Clegg said. "It doesn’t really specify what this department of public safety and violence prevention is going to look like. We don’t pass an amendment so we can have a discussion about how law enforcement should be structured in our city, we have that conversation first, then we vote on any needed amendments."

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Reporter Eric Chaloux asked Clegg what he would say to people frustrated with the process.

“I would say to keep going," Clegg said. "We have to have the discussion about what changes are necessary."