Lawrence City Commissioners Receive Threatening Messages and Bricks at Their Homes
Lawrence, Kansas – Three Lawrence city commissioners were met with a disturbing surprise when they arrived home from a City Commission meeting on Tuesday. Vice Mayor Mike Dever and Commissioners Brad Finkeldei and Lisa Larsen each found a paper bag containing a brick and a threatening note on their porches.
The notes addressed to the commissioners accused them of violating their own laws by displacing and mistreating the homeless population in the city. The messages warned the commissioners to end their actions against the homeless and to stop their plans to remove them from the city.
Lawrence police responded to the incidents, noting that the deliveries were made during the City Commission meeting on Tuesday night. While the circumstances at each home varied, all three deliveries were identical in nature.
Police Chief Rich Lockhart condemned the actions, stating that there is no place for turning political differences into potentially criminal acts. Mayor Bart Littlejohn also expressed disapproval of the harassment tactics targeting the commissioners, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse and mutual respect in the community.
Investigators have identified a person of interest in connection with the incidents and have issued a trespass warning for all city commissioners’ homes. The investigation is ongoing.
The city of Lawrence has been facing challenges related to homelessness, with the recent closure of a support site for the homeless in North Lawrence. The city has continued to provide essential services to individuals in unsanctioned camps, but camping will no longer be allowed in the Central Business District after April 15.
The city is currently involved in a lawsuit filed by local businesses regarding its handling of the homeless issue. The case is scheduled to go to trial in January 2025.