Pride murals in downtown Red Deer permanently damaged

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Photos show graffiti and where a tool was used to gouge the cement underneath Pride murals unveiled last summer in downtown Red Deer. (Supplied)

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Photos show graffiti and where a tool was used to gouge the cement underneath Pride murals unveiled last summer in downtown Red Deer. (Supplied)

Photos show graffiti and where a tool was used to gouge the cement underneath Pride murals unveiled last summer in downtown Red Deer. (Supplied)

Photos show graffiti and where a tool was used to gouge the cement underneath Pride murals unveiled last summer in downtown Red Deer. (Supplied)

“A tool was used to scrape and gouge the Pride mural. It appears to have been a deliberate act,” Cpl. Troy Savinkoff with Alberta RCMP told rdnewsNOW on Saturday. “There are no suspects at this point, and we’d like to ask the public, if they have video surveillance of the area, to let us know. This likely occurred sometime between Sunday, June 4 and Thursday, June 8.”

Although the incident does appear to be targeted, Savinkoff notes the motivations cannot be known until suspects are arrested and interviewed.

CAPS released a statement on social media shortly after discovering the apparent vandalism on Thursday.

“We are extremely saddened and disgusted at the vandalism that took place [here]. Numerous hours and resources went into creating these vibrant and stunning murals, and now most have been so damaged, they can not be repaired,” the organization says.

“This act of vandalism was not only a direct destruction of property, but also a complete disregard to the countless hours put into organizing, creating, and completing this project. We get that members in society may not be as accepting of our community as others. You’re entitled to your opinion. But if a rainbow mural upsets you that much, walk around it, ignore it. It’s simple. This act was cowardly, disrespectful, and fueled with hate. This proves why Pride Month needs to happen.”

RCMP continue to investigate.

The incident comes just a few days after rainbow steps at a church in Ponoka were vandalized with eggs and tar.