Buildings in Muscatine were vandalized on Sunday, with swastikas spray-painted onto their exterior walls, according to the Muscatine Police Department (MPD). Two restaurants — Jibaro, which specializes in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant — were targeted by the vandals. In addition to defacing both buildings with swastikas, the vandals also wrote “We don’t want you here” on the wall at Jibaro. The MPD also reported vandals broke a window and “one agency received what appeared to be racist emails,” but did not identify that agency.
“Let me be very clear: we do not condone this kind of hate-filled behavior in our community and we work towards identifying those involved,” Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark said in a statement posted online. “Such acts are absolutely disgusting and have no place here in Muscatine.”
The mayor concluded his statement by calling for community members to “stand together to promote unity and respect for all individuals… WE ARE ALL MUSCATINE and let’s show support for Jibaro Restaurant and Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant!!”
Both restaurants responded to the vandalism in social media posts.
“Jibaro went through this unpleasant experience where someone wrote a threatening message and damaged our walls and mutilated the paint with our flag,” the restaurant said on its Facebook page.
“Jibaro is sure that these types of people do not represent the community of Muscatine. These are people with very little personality and in need of attention.”
“We have already made all the necessary arrangements and we continue to plan for our contribution to Muscatine.”
“Let it also be understood that these threats will never stop Jibaro, here we do not know fear.”
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant’s Facebook page has a message posted by the Vasquez family, who own and operate the restaurant.
“We were deeply disheartened to discover the recent vandalism to our restaurant and neighboring businesses, an act rooted in hate that does not reflect the values of love, respect, and unity that we hold dear. While this incident was painful, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support, kindness, and love from all of you in our community.”
“Your words, gestures, and presence have reminded us that love truly triumphs over hate. Your support strengthens us to continue celebrating our culture, sharing our food, and building a place where everyone is welcome.”
“To those who stand with us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to build a community where everyone feels valued and respected.”
In its latest news release, the MPD said, “The investigation into this matter is on going and progress is being made.”
