Seven construction workers are suspected of spray-painting pornographic and homophobic graffiti inside the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
According to sports illustratedAt least two people have been identified as suspects and five others are under investigation, but no charges have been filed. an Erie County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told a Buffalo radio station. WBEN-AM That an investigation is ongoing.
Graffiti covered four luxury private suites inside the new $2.2 billion stadium that will be home to the Buffalo Bills. The vandalism included multiple spray-painted pornographic images, some of which appeared to target the LGBTQ community. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said The comments and images appeared intended to attack someone based on their sexual orientation.
said Erie County Public Works Director William Geary. WKBW The vandals used oil-based spray paint that soaked into granite, marble finishes, tile, wood surfaces and even flooring, requiring damaged materials to be removed and replaced.
Poloncarz estimated the damage at more than $150,000, and noted that workers would need to retile and repaint the damaged areas of the stadium.
Construction on the stadium site, which was about 87% complete, was temporarily suspended. The repairs are not expected to affect the start of the next football season in September.
Gilbane Turner, the company managing the Highmark Stadium project, said two of the seven suspected perpetrators had been identified through a tip line set up to collect information about the vandalism.
“The actions of a small number of individuals do not reflect the values and actions of the approximately 8,000 people who have worked on this project to date,” Gilbane-Turner said in a statement. “They demonstrate professionalism, pride and respect every day.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
