MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Police are investigating after a man was caught on camera destroying a campaign sign in Miami Beach on Friday night.
Local 10 News obtained exclusive surveillance video on Sunday of a man walking up to a campaign sign that belonged to Miami Beach Commissioner Steven Meiner, pulling the sign out of the ground and then throwing it in the middle of the road.
Meiner, who is an Othodox Jew, told Local 10 News reporter Rosh Lowe the incident happened on Friday night, which is the beginning of the Sabbath.
He said this isn’t the first time this has happened after telling Miami Beach police that many of his signs were stolen.
Meiner told Local 10 News that he is looking to press charges on the suspect if he is caught.
Under state law, individuals who have been found guilty of intentionally removing, defacing, damaging, or destroying a lawfully placed election sign could face a fine of up to $100. When sign removal or destruction is found to be discriminatory, the perpetrator could face heightened civil penalties.
Unfortunately, it’s not the first time we’ve seen similar cases in south Florida.
From sign snatchers in Fort Lauderdale targeting signs for Joe Biden, to a Donald Trump sign vandalized in the city of Miami, this happens more often than people may think, and violators can face charges like trespassing, theft and vandalism.
Anyone that sees a sign snatcher is urged to call Miami Beach police at 305-673-7900.