Billings leaders condemn hate after swastika vandalism at Mayflower Congregational Church; community groups call for action

Mayor William Cole opened the meeting by condemning recent local and international acts of hate, including swastikas and slurs painted on Mayflower Congregational Church. He told the council the Billings Police Department is actively investigating the incident and urged residents with information to contact authorities.

Tucker Colvin, speaking for Billings Stronger Together, said the church incident was part of a larger pattern of vandalism and harassment that has included damaged stained glass at Wayman Chapel AME and vandalism at Grace United Methodist Church. Colvin said his group compiled a report on hate and discrimination in Billings and urged the council to take ‘‘strong action’’ to address the problem.

Dan Brooks of the Billings Chamber of Commerce and other public commenters also praised the council’s public‑safety work and civic projects while noting the urgency of responding to hate crimes. Mayor Cole encouraged residents to stand together and not let such acts divide the community.

The mayor noted a public recognition for Homeless Persons Memorial Day and thanked Riverstone Health for its work, and staff said details of the church‑vandalism investigation are being posted to the Billings Police Department’s Facebook page.

Next steps: The police investigation was ongoing at the time of the meeting; council members and public commenters asked staff and law enforcement to keep the community informed and for council to consider further community responses.