Mural depicting Beto O'Rourke as a superhero is vandalised days after being unveiled
'El Paso gentrifier supports Israel' among slogans spray-painted on Austin artwork
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A mural depicting the American senate candidate Beto O’Rourke as a superhero has been vandalised just days after it was unveiled.
Phrases including “El Paso gentrifier supports Israel" and "No hero” were spray-painted on the massive artwork in the city of Austin.
It comes as the hotly contested race to be Texas senator between the Democrat candidate and Republican Ted Cruz was described as a “toss-up” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Initially, the mural, created by the artist Chris Rogers, featured Mr O'Rourke in front of a Texas flag with his shirt unbuttoned and revealing the letter B reminiscent to that of Superman’s S.
It has now been half covered to hide the defacement with a new sign saying: “Vote now love trumps hate.”
Timothy Bresson, a city resident who lives near the mural, told the Austin American-Statesman he had seen many murals go up in the area but had not seen many of them attacked.
“You have a right to free speech so you’re allowed to voice your opinion,” he said. “But this is vandalism. It’s a criminal act.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments