Black cemetery vandalized: Headstones spray-painted with ‘Trump’ and ‘DeSantis,’ reward offered
- Mark Parker
- 30m
- 3 min read
Police are still searching for suspects after vandals damaged 17 gravesites at a historic Black cemetery in Palmetto, roughly 25 miles south of St. Petersburg.
The vandalism included broken and toppled headstones and caused significant damage to burial vaults at Old Memphis Cemetery, which opened in 1904 to serve African American residents. Several graves were spray-painted with the words "Trump" and "DeSantis,” referring to the president and governor, respectively.
Detectives believe the incident, announced on Thursday, occurred sometime this month. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has yet to announce any arrests, and an investigation is ongoing.
“This is unconscionable,” said Rep. Michele Rayner in a social media post on Friday. “I’m looking forward to the Republican-led legislature and governor to comment and use the full weight of law enforcement to investigate this.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has not responded to the incident. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a prepared statement that “anyone who engages in this disgusting behavior must be condemned in the harshest terms possible.”
Reuters, which first reported the story on May 14, noted that President Donald Trump has a history of sharing racist rhetoric. Glenn Searls, 77, told the publication that he felt “extreme anger” over the vandalism to the predominantly Black cemetery at 202 25th St. W. in Palmetto.
“When you look, and you see ‘DeSantis’ and ‘Trump’ spray-painted on a vault, you wonder if it’s politically motivated, and I tend to believe it is,” said Searls, who has family members buried at Old Memphis Cemetery.
Edrena Love Freeman found her father’s gravestone had been removed. “I just thought it was evil; it’s just not right,” she told the publication.
Manatee County officials are working with a specialized contractor to assess and repair the damaged gravesites. They are also considering implementing additional security measures at the cemetery.
The county, in partnership with the Cities of Palmetto and Bradenton, will host a cleanup and beautification effort at Old Memphis Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 9 a.m.
“Acts of vandalism do not define our community - the response does,” said Commissioner Amanda Ballard in a prepared statement. “What we are seeing now is neighbors, families, volunteers, and local partners coming together to restore dignity to this historic cemetery and honor the generations of people buried there, including veterans who served our country. Ahead of Memorial Day, this effort is about remembrance, respect, and unity.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS (8477).
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest. The Gold Star Club of Manatee County is offering an additional $1,000 reward.
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