Vandalism at Tupac Shakur Arts Center Treated as Hate Crime

Two incidents of vandalism at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts are being investigated as hate crimes by the De Kalb County Sheriff's office near Atlanta. Vandals defaced the building and tied a noose around the neck of a bronze statue of the late rapper on the morning of October 20. The statue was further damaged in a second incident on Monday morning. An unidentified male has been arrested for the crimes.

Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mother, made the following statement regarding the incidents: "We thank everyone for their prayers and support. Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators. Hate comes in all colors and genders therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings. With God's guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community."