Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward on Wednesday denounced multiple vandalism incidents at the City Hall Plaza, including a break-in on Tuesday night.  

Ward said someone threw objects through the ground floor window to his office with a “lengthy and hate-driven” note left behind. Ward said the investigation is active and that the Gainesville Police Department will do everything possible to find the person responsible.  

The vandal’s message—addressed to the mayor—mentioned the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion work. The incident corresponds to another note left at the Old Library building in early March. The building’s door was kicked in with another note aimed at the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. 

“Let me be clear: The situation is serious and of highest concern,” Ward said. “I want to emphasize that the safety of all City workers at every City of Gainesville building and facility is of paramount importance, as is the security and well-being of our community.”  

Ward noted that Gainesville voters have supported the city’s efforts, voting to make the director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion a charter position. 

Currently, plywood and clamps have covered the broken window, and Ward said a replacement has been ordered along with security upgrades. He said the city has been working on upgrades for some time, but Tuesday night’s incident has sped up the project. 

Ward said the vandal had also motivated him to double down on equity and inclusion projects. The next project will include reaching out to UF students that they can use Gainesville’s resources after losing its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

In early March, Ward made a statement at a city meeting to denounce the vandalism at the Old Library Building. 

“The perpetrator vandalized the Old Library building and left a note proudly expressing their racism and negative views of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Ward said at the meeting. “It is not coincidental that this incident occurred during a period of increasingly hostile political rhetoric targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Florida and throughout the country.”  

Ward reiterated on Wednesday that the political rhetoric of candidates and elected officials has impacts. 

Ward encouraged citizens to not let the vandalism have a chilling effect on their free speech. He said everyone should feel comfortable making public comments and said he’s now fired up to continue the work. 

A Wednesday city release asked staff and visitors to remain vigilant, and Ward said a broken window and angry note won’t stop the City Commission from working for residents. 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.