Columbia mayor apologizes to artist for 'harrowing' experience with city police

[TexasTowelie]

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin issued an apology to an artist who city police officers detained and investigated as a possible intruder in the art center apartment where he was living.

“I would like to apologize to you for your harrowing experience with Columbia Police Department officers,” Benjamin wrote in a letter to artist John Sims. “We expect that when guests are visiting our city, they are made welcome, their safety and wellbeing are ensured, and all aspects of their visit make them wish to return.”

Sims, who is Black, is a Florida-based artist who was the artist in residence at 701 Center for Contemporary Art on Whaley Street. He lived in an apartment in the upper story of the art center.

In the early morning of May 17, Columbia police officers entered the art center, saying they found a door open and were looking for a possible intruder. When they found Sims in his upstairs apartment, the officers pointed their guns at him and handcuffed him for about eight minutes while they ran his name through a criminal database.

Sims said he appreciated the mayor’s apology.

Read more: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article252388088.html

Sims’ art scorns Confederate symbols like the Confederate flag. In one piece, he places Confederate flags in a noose. The intent is to take, confront and confiscate symbols and signs of white supremacy and the Confederacy, Sims said at a June 17 rally at the State House.

[abqtommy]

1. I have a preference for mayors that don't have to apologize.

Last edited Sat Jun 26, 2021, 10:41 PM - Edit history (1)