LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – What began as a rally for climate justice ended with malicious mischief and chalk graffiti after U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett’s (R-Charlotte) Lansing office turned into an unintended canvas for demonstrators on Thursday, October 30 – a group that seemingly mistook vandalism for activism.

According to Barrett, the culprits – tied to the Climate Action Campaign, Michigan Families for Fair Care, and Sierra Club Michigan – decided to voice their opposition to him by defacing the exterior walls, walkway, and steps of his congressional office with messages like “Show your face Tom,” “You support fascists,” and “Grow a spine.”

From dialogue to defacement.

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Barrett, a Republican representing Michigan’s 7th District, said in a statement. “There is a clear distinction between peaceful protest and harassment, and this failed attempt to intimidate me crossed a line and will not be tolerated.” He noted that his team had met with some of the same activists just 24 hours earlier in what he described as a cordial and honest conversation. Their graffiti diplomacy apparently wasn’t part of the follow-up agenda.

Barrett is focused on keeping his staff safe and said, “Your political beliefs should never determine whether or not you feel safe at work.”

With threats against members of Congress topping 14,000 this year – a 55 percent jump – it seems some in Michigan have decided to replace “agree to disagree” with “tag and run.” And while Barrett’s team might have to scrub the walls, they’re not backing down on their message that political intimidation won’t silence conservative voices.

Police are investigating the incident according to Jordan Gulkis, spokesperson for the Lansing Police Department – but no arrests have been made.