DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Three Kings of Peace, an anti-violence organization, reported a surge in vandalism affecting one of their buildings over the past week, leaving it “beyond repair,” according to the group.
Co-founder Ed Butler noted that this is not a new issue for the organization. He explained that although they addressed minor vandalism incidents last year, these issues eventually led them to cease activities and list the building for sale.
Butler lamented that the recent wave of vandalism destroyed the organization’s vision for the building, which they purchased three years ago with the intent of transforming it into a community center for the youngsters they support.
“This is total devastation,” Butler expressed. “We planned to have skating, weightlifting, computers, and a library upstairs to foster a better connection with our kids.”
Another co-founder, Frank McCullough, shared that he observed increased damage on the building’s exterior this week and was shocked by the extent of destruction inside.
“Double paned windows were broken,” said McCullough. “They’re coming in, taking out wire, taking out copper, taking our ventilator system out.”
The damage includes broken doors, smashed cabinets, and walls that have been kicked in throughout the facility. McCullough described the treatment of the building as heartbreaking.
“I just want the community to know this is how Danville appreciates those who help them, who are helping their young people,” McCullough said.
With the building still up for sale, Three Kings does not know what to do moving forward.
“It’s beyond repair,” Butler said. “We’re going to have to find some kind of funding to see if we can tear it down, or if anyone’s interested in helping us or buying it.”
Butler and McCullough said they’ve had conversations with police about the vandalism. WCIA reached out to the Danville Police Department and left a voicemail to see if they’re investigating the matter. The newsroom did not hear back.
