Some jackasses broke into the Tupac Amare Shakur Foundation in
Atlanta twice over the weekend, vandalizing the building and leaving a
noose around the neck of a Tupac statue.
Not surprisingly, Georgia's De Kalb County police are treating these break-ins as a hate crime. In addition to leaving the noose, the vandals -- police believe the act was committed by a group because of the nature of the crime -- also defaced the statue and the building, and left fliers with threats against other rappers and references to Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.
The first of the two break-ins occurred on Saturday, in the early morning hours. This is when the noose when left. Another break-in took place at 2:00 AM Monday morning, in which the building was damaged further. Police have arrested one male, who is currently being held in custody.
Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mother, issued the following statement:
We thank everyone for their prayers and support. Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators. Hate comes in all colors and genders therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings.
I heard the vandals weren't trying to commit a hate crime, they just got jealous of Tupac when they saw him wit his mobile phone. I can't vouch for the accuracy of that rumor, though. Either way, with the Jena thing still fresh in our memory, this is embarrassing.
Also, why the hatred toward Tupac? Let's say you're the most racist person on Earth. Tupac gave us "California Love." White people LOVE that song. Tupac has contributed more to white people than every racist in history, combined. I hope the punishment for these vandals involves serious jail time and having to listen to "Changes" on a loop.
