Election season marred by vandalism

Damage from shotgun pellets is evident in a political sign and residence sign on David Ledbetter’s property in Charles City.

Andre' Jones photos

With the presidential election right around the corner, citizens often express their stance on issues through forums, debates, and letters to the editor in newspapers. Unfortunately, some elect to choose another route to express their opinions in a way that endangers others.

Such an incident occurred the night of Oct. 22 when shotgun blasts ripped through a large Obama/Biden sign posted at the entrance to Charles City resident David Ledbetter’s home on The Glebe Lane. But the vandals didn’t stop there. Another load of buckshot destroyed a permanent sign marking his residence, Mosside Farm.

“I wanted the public to know that it is a sad day for us and our community to know that whoever committed this act doesn’t appreciate the First Amendment,” said Ledbetter in an interview. (His letter to the editor concerning the incident appears elsewhere in this edition.)

“They do not respect the service and courage of those who served in office and sacrificed for us to have this right.”

After hearing gunfire the night of the shooting, Ledbetter looked out the window and saw headlights at the end of his driveway. Fearing for safety, he dialed emergency services. Charles City deputies responded and found the signs riddled with pellet holes.

“This is the first time in my family’s 26 years of living in Charles City that we have been made to feel unwelcome or in any way concerned for our safety,” said Ledbetter.

He spoke about his concerns the following night at Charles City’s Board of Supervisors meeting.

“Regardless of how you feel about a candidate, you have the right to vote for who you desire and that’s what makes our country great,” he said. “This is about our citizenship, our priceless rights, and the importance of respecting elections and their outcomes.”

This isn’t the first time Ledbetter’s property has been vandalized.

“I put a sign out in 2008 and that was stolen,” he said. “I put another sign out there this year on public property and it was gone the next day.

“I decided to put one on my yard and two days later, I found it missing,” he continued.

Ledbetter believes he isn’t a random victim, and says it’s a sad day when first amendment rights aren’t appreciated.

“The person who did this has a lot of anger and hostility built up and needs to make peace with his or herself, the community, and us,” he said.

Crimes of vandalism carry a fine up to $1,000 plus the cost of damage. The penalty also includes up to one year in jail. And the perpetrator, if arrested, could face a charge of reckless handling of a firearm.

“I want to make sure citizens know that we can only build up the country once we accept each other, regardless of the outcome of the election,” concluded Ledbetter.