The city of Santa Barbara, California, has reportedly taken down a mural of George Floyd that was previously displayed on the side of a local building due to it being the target of “repeated vandalism.” This led a Santa Barbara City Councilman to describe the removal of the mural as heartbreaking.
For context, on January 8, 2025, the local Santa Barbara news outlet Noozhawk confirmed the removal of the George Floyd mural from the side of a downtown lounge. The outlet reported that the building owner ultimately decided to take down the mural following multiple incidents of vandalism.
In reaction to the mural’s removal, Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez conveyed his sadness and frustration, stating, “The mural being painted over is disappointing, but I understand the difficult position that the artist and property owners were in.” He further remarked, “It breaks my heart to know that there are members of our community that are so full of hate that they are willing to deface an expression of empathy and tolerance.”
Additionally, James Joyce III, the founder of a local Santa Barbara activist movement, also voiced his frustration regarding the mural’s removal, stating, “That mural represented Santa Barbara’s small part in a global movement that was catalyzed by the killing of George Floyd.” Joyce elaborated, “The mural brought together many in our community.”
Furthermore, Joyce mentioned that the removal of the mural “has refocused a highlight on the division that continues to exist within our community and seems about in line with the intentional and systemic erasure of black contributions in America.” He concluded by saying, “But as the saying goes, I guess all good things must come to an end.”
Significantly, several months later, on April 1, 2025, a comparable mural was reportedly taken down from the wall of an unoccupied building in Salt Lake City, Utah. This prompted one resident to inform NBC News, “It’s for the wrong reason — death at the hands of officers — but it was a place for us to mourn and show respect for the lives lost.” She further remarked, “And now it’s gone. That’s sad.”
In addition, Salt Lake City Council Member Darin Mano released a statement regarding the mural’s removal, highlighting the impending redevelopment of the building and stating, “I recognize that this block has been a sacred place for many in recent years—a place of mourning for families and a powerful call for social justice and police reform.”
Furthermore, Mano noted that Salt Lake City “has been working for over a decade” to redevelop the site where the mural once existed, explaining that the buildings “were no longer structurally or environmentally viable, with the goal of making it a public asset for the community.” He concluded by saying, “As we move forward, I am proud to have advocated for three acres of much-needed public green space.”
