WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Warren family is speaking out after they say they were targeted by racist vandalism. Candace and Eddie Hall were relaxing inside their home on Wednesday night when their home and cars were vandalized.
“We heard what sounded like a hissing sound. And he looked and he said, 'did you hear that?' And I immediately was like, I thought you were opening up a pop," Candace said.
Instead, it was the sound of air leaving the tires of Eddie's gray pickup truck, parked outside their home on Tallman Avenue. The same truck prominently displays that Eddie is a veteran, as is his wife.
“I went and fought for my country — two wars — come back, everything's good," Eddie said. "And now it’s like I’m at war in my own house now. I’ve got to be on guard."
The vandals then threw a large rock through the front of the family’s living room window.
“I heard what sounded like the glass just breaking and shattering, and I just went straight to the floor. I didn’t know if it was gunshots," Candace said.
The family's home surveillance system didn't have working batteries at the time. Warren police are looking for home surveillance footage from neighbors that have may captured the suspect(s) in action.
Before Candace even saw the racist messages on the side of the truck and the slashed tires, she feared they were targeted because of the Black Lives Matter sign displayed in their front window.
“I truly support that movement so I put that sign up about two months ago," she said.
Warren police detectives collected evidence from the home and are actively investigating this as a possible hate crime.
Candace doesn't know who would do this and says she's always gotten along with her neighbors, even those she knows hold different views than her.
“This has been a quiet, peaceful neighborhood," she said. "Our neighbors are good people."
Candace says the Black Lives Matter sign is staying. And as for the people behind the vandalism— she has one message: “We love everyone. We don’t even hate the people that did this to us. We already forgive you," she said.
The Halls say they’ve already received an outpouring of support from the community since this happened.
Warren Mayor Jim Fouts released the following statement in response to the vandalism:
I'm outraged and upset by a cowardly act of what appears to be a racially motivated attack on a home and vehicle of an African American family in Warren. This attack occurred yesterday evening. This is completely unacceptable and will NOT be tolerated in our city. The Warren Police Department and Commissioner Bill Dwyer are on the job and will conduct a complete investigation. Those found responsible for this crime will be brought to justice. Our city is a true melting pot of many different races and religions. All help to make Warren a good community. They are all welcome but those who would peddle hate and cause destruction are NOT welcome in Warren and should be aware that our city leadership and myself in particular will never stop in pursuit of justice. Anyone, who might have additional information about the perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime feel free contact Warren Police (586) 574-4877, my office at (586) 574-4520 or me personally. Thank You! Note: This is NOT reflective of the true character of Warren residents and I'm sure they all share in my outrage.
The Warren City Council also responded to the incident in a statement saying, "The Warren City Council wishes to express their deep concern for the destructive crimes committed against the Hall family on the evening of Wednesday, September 9, 2020. We are truly distressed such behavior would be perpetrated against any member of our community. The Warren City Council believes diversity makes our community stronger and inclusion of all who reside in Warren make the city a better place for all to live.
The Warren City Council wishes to condemn these acts of intimidation, destruction, and violence. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the Hall family and pledge our full support to the Warren Police Department in their efforts to bring those responsible to justice."
