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Man who spray-painted Rizzo statue sentenced to community service

Published  March 28, 2018 4:13pm EDT
US
FOX 29 Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The man accused of spray painting a statue of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo statue in Center City last year was sentenced to serve community service for his actions, FOX 29 has learned.

FOX 29's Dave Kinchen reports the charged against Wali Rahman, 40, will be dropped after he completes 50 hours of community service. Rahman was originally charged with criminal mischief, institutional vandalism and desecrating objects.

FOX 29 cameras were there as the suspect, later identified by police as Rahman, approached the statue and spray painted the words "Black Power" on it. Police tracked Rahman to his home and recovered a spray paint can and other evidence following a search.

MORE: Man charged in Frank Rizzo statue vandalism

The incident came during a time last summer where the location of the Frank Rizzo statue became a topic of conversation. The "tough on crime mayor" in the 70's and 80's had a turbulent relationship with the African American and LGBT communities.

Last fall, the city announced they would be moving the statue, displayed on Thomas Paine Plaza in front of the Municipal Services Building, to a location that has not yet been determined.