Over the last three nights, numerous public and private properties were vandalized with spray paint as part of ongoing protests in an around Downtown Iowa City. Iowa City Police continue to prioritize public safety by assigning officers to assist with rerouting of traffic. Safety of protestors, law enforcement, and the general public remain our top priority.

The City will be cleaning up graffiti on public property as time allows. Many needed crews are currently assigned to storm recovery efforts. Private property owners, businesses, and residents can report damage to their property by calling the Iowa City Police at 319-356-6800. Anyone with information related to acts of vandalism can also contact the Iowa City Police Department.

The City strongly supports the ability to exercise First Amendment rights and will work to protect those who wish to demonstrate those rights in our community. Groups must follow proper permitting guidelines, which were outlined last week in advance of recently announced protests. Vandalism or destruction of private and public property is not a First Amendment Right and will be investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.

Permitting guidelines can be found at www.icgov.org/UseOfPublicWays.