'Now you have graffiti': Vandal strikes back over Kaepernick mural's removal

Graffiti protesting the removal of a Colin Kaepernick mural in Bayview. Graffiti protesting the removal of a Colin Kaepernick mural in Bayview. Photo: Meaghan M. Mitchell/Hoodline Photo: Meaghan M. Mitchell/Hoodline Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close 'Now you have graffiti': Vandal strikes back over Kaepernick mural's removal 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

It appears that one or more Bayview residents or visitors were not ready to see a mural depicting a kneeling Colin Kaepernick go.

The mural, painted in support of Kaepernick's kneeling during the national anthem ahead of 49er games this fall to protest systematic racism within law enforcement and police brutality, appeared on a building at Newhall and Hudson Avenues in mid-October. The piece was soon painted over in response to complaints to the city that the mural was "graffiti and not art."

Now, the wall has a new statement. Alongside the number 7, Kaepernick's number, graffiti reads: "TO SF: You took down a mural, now you have graffiti."

Around the corner on Newhall, a similar message is painted on the building: "Take down art and now you have graffiti."

The removal of the Kaepernick mural conjured mixed emotions from Bayview residents. Some expressed gratitude for the removal, while others argued that the building's owner was being insensitive to the message behind the mural.

"The owner of the building just responded to the complaint. We still don't know who painted that mural, and we don't know who did the graffiti," said one individual who works inside the building and requested anonymity. "I personally never had a problem with it. But it's obvious that someone in the community does, and I guess that's something the owner will have to think about."

Hoodline contacted the building owner, Golden Properties, for comment and has yet to receive a response.

Thanks to Steph M. for the tip.

This article originally appeared on Hoodline