By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Three incidents of political vandalism or theft occurred in Havre on Monday morning between 2-5 AM.
On Lincoln Avenue, someone stole a Trump flag and left an American flag on the ground
At the Republican County Headquarters on US Highway 2, a Trump merchandise tent was busted up. Hill County GOP Chair Andrew Brekke says a canopy was wrecked, causing about $900 in damage. No merchandise was harmed, as it had been locked up in a separate location.
And at Brekke’s house, a Trump sign and flag were stolen.
Brekke says they have security footage of the incident at his property, which occurred just after 4 AM, but they are unable to make out who the perpetrator was.
“I just want to remind people that we shouldn’t fear putting up political signage of any kind. Republican, Democrat or whatever. People should have the right to display whatever they want. In this community, we’re a small enough town where we should respect each other’s right to privacy and our own personal property. We should not have to fear our neighbors tearing this stuff down. It’s unbecoming our community, especially a town of our size. We’re a pretty small, tight-knit town, we don’t need these kinds of things happening. And it is illegal. So it’s not only a violation of what we think and feel, but it’s a violation of the law as well.”
Brekke says he’s heard anecdotally of other incidents of vandalism or theft to Trump merchandise,
“I’ve heard through the grapevine that there were others as well, but I can’t say for certain.”
The Havre Police Department is continuing their investigation, and believes the incidents are related. No suspects have been identified. They add that they are working on obtaining the surveillance footage.
Hill County Democratic Chair Jacob Bachmeier condemned the actions reported on Monday morning and says they have given the GOP a replacement canopy and have offered to provide financial help if necessary.
“We’re talking about people’s property here, and I think it’s important to respect people’s property. Second of all, we’re talking about first amendment freedom of speech, and I think it’s important to protect everyone’s right to freedom of speech. It’s something we should take very seriously.
Bachmeier states that there has been vandalism of some of his party’s property as well.
“I know some people have told me they’ve had signs taken down, they’ve had people who have stolen their signs and I’ve had to go out and redeliver signs to some people. I know in Chinook, the mortality rate for Biden signs is really bad. We don’t even put them up in Hill County because they will all get stolen. But I know Biden signs are going like crazy in Blaine County. All candidates are victims of this and it’s very unfortunate.”
UPDATE: On Wednesday afternoon, Havre Police received a report that in the early morning on Wednesday, a homeowner on 6th Street heard her dogs barking. She then noticed her Trump flag was missing. Lietuenant Aaron Wittmer says this could be connected to the previous incidents, but they are not certain at this time.
