“I was disgusted this morning to learn that what should be a symbol of inclusion in our representative democracy had been vandalized with bigotry and intolerance.

This incident was clearly designed to frighten and intimidate but it has had the opposite result.

This is exactly why we need a new leader who can unify all of us behind a new vision for Columbia, and I am now more than ever dedicated to that cause.

I have absolute faith that our city’s police force will identify and apprehend those responsible but, more importantly, I have faith that the people of Columbia will come together to reject this kind of illegal and unacceptable activity.

The challenges facing our city are as serious as the stakes are high. We cannot address them distracted by ignorance. We cannot overcome them if we are divided by hate.
We are one people. We are one Columbia. Only by coming together can we make this a city of vision, opportunity, and hope for all.”