Olympia City Council member homes vandalized over the weekend
Olympia City Council members Clark Gilman and Jessica Bateman spent last weekend cleaning after both their homes were targeted by vandals with white paint.
Gilman said his west Olympia home and two cars were covered in white paint, while Bateman, who lives near downtown, said the facade of her house, as well the porch and patio were splashed with paint.
Both council members said Wednesday they weren’t sure whether the vandalism was a political statement or something associated with Halloween. However, Bateman said her property has been vandalized before.
Bateman, who is leading in the Position 2 race to represent the 22nd Legislative District in the House, said it’s an emotional time, but vandalism “doesn’t build a bridge between divergent opinions.”
“It doesn’t serve a purpose,” she added.
Bateman awoke Saturday morning to discover her place had been vandalized. She alerted the Olympia city manager and called police to report the incident.
Gilman said he didn’t learn what happened to his house until a neighbor texted him about the paint. He also called the police.
“It changed our plans for the day,” he said, adding that he had to pressure wash and get his vehicles cleaned.
Police patrolled council member homes Saturday night, but were not aware of any credible threats since the incident, Olympia Police Sgt. Paul Frailey said Wednesday.
Gilman said he wasn’t aware of anyone claiming credit for the vandalism, but he acknowledged he has been outspoken on social media about nonviolent protests, calling them more respectful and impactful.
“It’s frustrated some folks, but I don’t know that they are related,” he said about the vandalism.
Bateman said her house is OK and she wasn’t hurt. She has received a tremendous amount of support from her neighbors, she said.
Bateman acknowledged there has been a recent trend of individuals being targeted for acts of vandalism, including Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, whose home was vandalized over the summer by protesters.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Olympia police at 360-753-8300.
This story was originally published November 4, 2020 at 6:19 PM.
