Politics

Suspect Vandal Tells TV Station He’s ‘Happy’ About Damage To Republican Office

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David Krayden Ottawa Bureau Chief
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A man accused of vandalizing a Republican Party office in Illinois over the weekend told a local TV station that he was “happy” about the desecration.

Timothy Damm told WTVO-TV, “I think it’s great,” as he stood outside the office building of a local Republican Party office in Rockford, Illinois, where the word “rape” could be plainly seen through the camera lens.

Police first detained and officially arrested Damm on Monday after the accused was seen carting around spray paint cans with him. He was charged with criminal defacement of property, as well as resisting arrest. If convicted, he could spend three years in prison.

But before he ran into police, Damm was quite anxious to talk about the vandalism and just how positive he was about the incident and vandalism in general.

After telling a reporter that he wasn’t “getting much sleep” because he was “worried” about the potential confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Damm said it was high time someone did something to discourage the Republicans from setting up shop in his neighborhood.

“I think it’s great,” Damm told WTVO. “I haven’t been great with the Republicans right in my neighborhood, but somebody labeled them for what they are. I’m happy about that.”

“I’m an artist myself. It’s hard to not focus on the beauty [of the vandalism.] It’s not about that,” he said. “Republican equals rape. That they support rape, they encourage rape, and if you rape someone, they will defend you.”

Republican state Rep. John Cabello condemned the act of vandalism on Facebook:“We can have our differences. We can have good-spirited debate. I hope whoever is responsible for this will be brought to justice. You are a coward for doing it unless you come forward!?”

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