A rainbow-painted bench meant to signal inclusion on South Beach was defaced with a swastika and the words “Adolf was here” on Monday, turning a Pride symbol into an active crime scene. Miami Beach police detained four men in connection with the vandalism, while city crews removed the seat and officers taped off the area so investigators could review surveillance footage.
Camera Catches Group, Police Move In Fast
Surveillance cameras captured a group walking toward the bench, with two of the men sitting down while another allegedly drew on the seat, as reported by WSVN. Miami Beach Police said their real-time intelligence center tracked the suspects and detained four men at Seventh Street and Ocean Drive for questioning. According to police, the men could still face arrest as the investigation continues, and crews scrubbed the graffiti Monday night.
Bench Follows Rainbow Crosswalk Removal
The bench was donated by Commissioner Joseph Magazine in April and installed as part of a rebuilt Pride walkway after the Florida Department of Transportation ordered the removal of the rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive, according to the Miami Herald.
Local Leaders Call Vandalism a Gut Punch
Magazine said watching the surveillance footage felt like “a gut punch” to the community and stressed that the bench “was for our community,” as reported by WSVN. Mayor Steven Meiner, who had chaired the first meeting of the Jewish Mayors and Municipal Leaders Association earlier Monday, said local leaders are working together to counter antisemitism and urged residents not to be intimidated.
Hate-Crime Enhancements On The Table
Investigators have not announced formal charges and the probe remains active. If prosecutors determine the vandalism was bias-motivated, Florida law allows courts to reclassify offenses and enhance penalties when a crime “evidences prejudice” against protected classes, including sexual orientation and religion, under Section 775.085 of the Florida Statutes, according to the Florida Legislature.
