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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Get out’ spray-painted on home of refugee family in Spokane

A Spokane couple who are refugees from Liberia reported on Friday, May 5, 2017, that “Get out” was spray-painted on their home. (Courtesy of Wilmot Morgan)
From staff reports

A Spokane family who came to the United States more than a decade ago as refugees has reported that “Get out” was spray-painted on their home.

Wilmot Morgan, who came to the United States from Liberia in 2004, said a neighbor discovered the graffiti on the side of his garage on Friday. He has reported it to police.

“When I saw it, I was stung,” said Morgan, a legal resident who works as a semitruck driver. “This is the first time I’ve ever had this kind of experience.”

Morgan said he and his family have lived in the home for about three years. They have lived in the neighborhood near the South Hill Target store for about five years.

“I have a good relationship with all of my neighbors,” Morgan said.

His wife was also a refugee from Liberia and is now a U.S. citizen. The couple have three children.

A spokesman for the Spokane Police Department couldn’t immediately be reached for comment about the vandalism.

In an online response to the vandalism, Skyler Oberst, president of the Spokane Interfaith Council, called for “swift and appropriate action” by law enforcement and “condemnation” by civic leaders.

“This incident is additional evidence of the pressing need in our community and our nation to find ways to talk with all of our neighbors constructively and respectfully,” Oberst wrote.