Two weeks ago, a mural was painted in Trenton, New Jersey depicting Michael Brown in an American-themed graduation cap and gown with the description: “Sagging pants is not probable cause.”
Monday afternoon, the mural was painted over, according to a report from The Times of Trenton’s Jenna Pizzi.
Pizzi writes that the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) decided to remove the mural because police officials expressed concern “that the mural sends a negative message about the relationship between police and the community.”
Oh.
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In an interview with The Trentonian’s David Foster, TDA Executive Director Christian Martin said some Trenton police officers expressed they were “uncomfortable” policing the area where the mural was located. Michael Brown was fatally shot on August 9 in Ferguson by Officer Darren Wilson.
A decision has not been reached by a grand jury, who will determine whether or not to bring formal charges against Wilson.
Artists responsible for the mural work with Sage Coalition, a non-profit “dedicated to inner-city beautification projects.” One of the lead artists, Will “Kasso” Condry, thought the mural could “start a conversation about racial profiling.”
A spokesperson with the Trenton Police Department said removing the mural wasn’t a direct “order” but came as a result of a “discussion” between officers and TDA.