Politics
“There is no place for this type of intimidation in American politics, full stop,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, whose name also appeared on one of the torched signs.
Sterling police are investigating after someone set fire to several political signs last week, reportedly torching lawn signs that voiced support for Democratic candidates.
Officers and firefighters responded to the fire just after 10 p.m. last Thursday, Sterling Police Chief Sean Gaudette said in a news release.
“Upon arrival, officers confirmed several political signs had, in fact, been set on fire,” Gaudette said. “The area was checked, and no suspects or evidence was located.”
He said the dispatch center received no other reports of vandalism, and the matter has been assigned to Detective John Chase for follow-up. In its own news release, the Sterling Fire Department said the fire appeared to be an isolated incident and encouraged anyone with information to contact authorities at 978-422-7331.
Sterling resident Blaine Bershad took to Facebook to denounce the vandalism, sharing a video of the signs burning outside his home. He said the signs that were targeted supported Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Jim McGovern, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“A neighbor was coming home, saw the fire and called 911,” Bershad wrote in the public post. “Two police cruisers and a fire truck came quickly so the fire didn’t have a chance to spread. Considering all the dry leaves and twigs on the ground, we’re all fortunate this didn’t turn into a much larger fire. There are no hydrants as our part of town is above the town water system.”
While the signs are easily replaced, he said, the incident underscores a clear message about free speech.
“This act shows a lack of respect for [others’] opinions as well as [others’] properties,” Bershad wrote. “We feel threatened, wouldn’t you? This is how it starts. Fascism is alive in Sterling, Massachusetts.”
McGovern also denounced the incident in a separate Facebook post, calling the perpetrator a “pro Trump arsonist.”
“There is no place for this type of intimidation in American politics, full stop,” McGovern said. “But this is only going to make us work harder. When we work hard — we win!”
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