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 struck. Cleo Brown labeled the incident a “felonious assault” and urged the city to pursue the same rigor of investigation and charges that would be expected in other circumstances. Ayanna Allen, whose husband Lark Allen III — a professional artist and instructor — was among those attacked, asked the council to ban the individuals who instigated the incident from all city parks and to condemn the harassment.

City Manager and public-safety staff addressed the council during the meeting. The manager said arrests were made and that officers submitted evidence to the county prosecutor; he said the prosecutor ultimately declined to file charges. The manager also said additional park camera footage exists and that the city will provide administrative follow-up. Several council members asked for a comprehensive police review of the incident and for clearer communication about the outcome of the criminal process.

Speakers pressed the council for concrete responses beyond words. Danita Dorsey and other community leaders asked that the council issue a public statement condemning the violence and affirming support for the artists and adopt-a-park partners. Bishop Hurley Coleman, who participated in the project planning, called for police to complete investigative work and “hold people accountable,” saying, “That place should be safe for anybody who's out there.”

Council reaction and next steps

Council members repeatedly thanked speakers, described the attack as unacceptable and asked staff to follow up. Council member Wiggins said a “full investigation” and consequences are necessary; Council member Hammond called assumptions that the artists “didn’t do the work” offensive and rooted in racism. Mayor Moore apologized for any delay in communication to victims and attendees, saying, “You have my deepest apology.”

The city manager said the adopt-a-park agreement typically allows a year or more for grantees to complete work and confirmed that the mural team can finish the project within that framework. He also said the city will consult with the prosecutor's office and invited council members to review investigation materials. Council members asked staff to explore whether the city can ban park access for individuals believed to have trespassed and assaulted volunteers; staff said they would research the legal mechanics and report back.

What the record shows

- Project approval: Speakers said the council approved an adopt-a-park agreement for the mural team on Aug. 25 (referenced during public comment).
- Criminal process: Police made arrests and submitted evidence to the county prosecutor; the city manager told the council the prosecutor declined to file charges.
- Administrative follow-up: Staff said additional camera footage was located and submitted; the city manager offered to provide investigation summaries to council members.

Community requests

Speakers asked for a public statement from the council condemning the assault, for restitution and protection for the artists while they finish the work, and for prompt, transparent communication from law enforcement and the prosecutor about charging decisions.

The council did not vote on new ordinances or restrictions at the meeting; members asked staff to provide a written, comprehensive review and to explore banning repeat trespassers from parks if legal grounds exist.