Many say the racial slur painted on City Hall's exterior Wednesday was directly targeted at Columbia Attorney Steve Benjamin.
Benjamin is one of the three leading candidates for Columbia's next mayor. If elected he would be the capitol city's first black mayor.
Benjamin made several statements about the issue at a news conference Wednesday afternoon at his campaign headquarters on Washington Street.
"I was disgusted this morning to learn that what should be a symbol of inclusion in our representative democracy had been vandalized with bigotry and intolerance," said Benjamin.
The mayoral candidate said the incident was clearly designed to frighten and intimidate but it has had the opposite result.
Benjamin said this is exactly why we need a new leader who can unify all of us behind a new vision for Columbia.
"I have absolute faith that our city’s police force will identify and apprehend those responsible but, more importantly, I have faith that the people of Columbia will come together to reject this kind of illegal and unacceptable activity," said Benjamin.
He ended the conference saying, "We are one people. We are one Columbia. Only by coming together can we make this a city of vision, opportunity, and hope for all."
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