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2 men bound over for trial in Milwaukee mural controversy
A Milwaukee father and son accused of destroying a controversial mural in the city's Riverwest neighborhood were bound over for trial on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee father and son accused of destroying a controversial mural in the city's Riverwest neighborhood were bound over for trial on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Case details
What we know:
Peter and Zechariah Mehler are accused of damaging a controversial mural in Milwaukee back in September 2024. The mural near Holton and Locust showed a Star of David combined with a swastika.
The building owner, Ihsan Atta, says it was meant to bring attention to the war in Gaza.
Peter and Zechariah Mehler
"They came prepared with an ax, sledge hammer and other hammers," Atta said. "They had at it. They did it in clear view of security cameras."
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Atta said it cost him more than $12,000.
Police say surveillance video shows Zechariah and Peter Mehler taking an axe and a sledgehammer to the mural, while Zechariah gave the camera "double middle fingers."
Mural covered with black paint
"We deny that we committed a crime," Peter Mehler said. "We believe this was hate speech and that the city should have acted and they didn’t. What was left was vigilantism."
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Police say the next day, Zechariah came back to finish the job with a pry bar.
Milwaukee mural controversy and damage; 2 men plead not guilty
A Milwaukee father and son accused of destroying a controversial mural in the city's Riverwest neighborhood are pleading not guilty.
Zechariah and Peter Mehler are charged with criminal damage to property.
What's next:
Zechariah Mehler is due back in court on Jan. 30 for a bail/bond hearing.
Peter Mehler is due back in court on Jan. 30 for a scheduling conference.
The Source: FOX6 News attended the hearing and used prior coverage.