Artists attacked while repaving skate park murals; residents demand investigation and city support

Saginaw — Dozens of residents, artists and community leaders told the Saginaw City Council that an assault on people working on a council-approved skate-park mural project was violent, targeted and remains insufficiently resolved. Speakers asked the council to issue a public condemnation, press for accountability and extend time and support for the mural team to finish the work.

“This wasn't a fight. It was an attack,” said Richard Jewell, who described members of Saginaw Cap and volunteer artists being assaulted while they repainted the park. Multiple speakers said the group had followed the city approval process and that the project was adopted by the council on Aug. 25. Project director Nyesha Clark Young told the council the team completed community surveys, worked with city staff and acquired grant funding; she said online harassment and an on-site assault have delayed completion and harmed artists and senior volunteers.

Several witnesses described people who jumped the park fence, assaulted artists and called family members to join; one speaker said an artist required hospital care after being…