Sound Transit suspects damage to Federal Way murals was racially motivated

Sound Transit now believes that damage done in August to 35 temporary public art murals hanging at a light rail construction site may have been racially motivated.

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“The murals include numerous depictions of people of color and the damage is suspected to have been motivated by racism,” Sound Transit said in a news release. “… Each mural is unique and designed to add color and positive energy to the surrounding streetscape.”

One of the artists responsible for the murals has had her previous work vandalized as well.

“This is not the first time my work, that often centers on Black subjects, has been slashed,” said artist Jasmine Iona Brown. “Harsh realities like this are disappointing, but it only strengthens my resolve to continue creating this work.”

Sound Transit suspects the murals were vandalized on the night of Aug. 20, just three days after they were first unveiled. Now, it’s “working with its security, the City of Federal Way, and the construction contractor to consider methods to protect the murals from future harm, including potential security and surveillance measures.”

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“This kind of criminal activity will not be tolerated in Federal Way, and we will do our best to identify and hold the individuals responsible for this act accountable,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. “These works of art belong to the people of our city and we’re going to do everything we can to protect them.”

Sound Transit plans to work with artists to either restore or replace the damaged murals, which hang on banners surrounding the light rail construction site.

Community members have also been encouraged to report any information they might have on who might have vandalized the murals. There are currently no suspects.

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