FBI investigating car vandalized with racial slurs near K-State

Update 2:00 p.m. Thursday:

The Riley County Police Department says the FBI is now leading the investigation into a car being vandalized with graffiti and racial slurs. Police say the incident happened sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Riley County PD, the FBI or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

"Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000," Riley County Police say.

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UPDATE Thursday, 10:40 a.m.

Kansas State University President Gen. Richard Myers issued a

statement

Thursday morning regarding a vehicle that was vandalized with racial slurs near campus.

"The racist messages found on a car parked off campus are a direct attack on the values of our community," said Myers.

The statement also says that there has been widespread misinformation regarding the incident, calling out unsubstantiated social media posts directly.

According to Jeff Morris, VP Communications and Marketing at K-State, the owner of the vehicle that was vandalized is not a Kansas State University student and the school has no record of that individual.

In response to the racist incident near campus, the statement says K-State University police will increase their patrol and visible presence on the Manhattan campus.

"If we need to make additional resources available, we will," said Myers.

Myers says he also asked Vice President Cindy Bontrager to review all security cameras on the K-State Manhattan campus and improve security plans as needed.

"We need to come together and resist those who wish to pull us apart," said Myers.

Morris says the recent racial incidents occurring at K-State and at locations surrounding the campus are not a reflection of the atmosphere at the university, but a reflection what is going on in the nation right now.

The university is currently in the process of hiring a new Chief Diversity Officer that will work directly with the president. Morris says the university has been doing a lot of work on diversity and inclusion for several years.

In response to the vandalism, the K-State Black Student Union held an emergency meeting Wednesday night.

Eyewitness News is reaching out to the president of the organization for further comment.

Manhattan Mayor Linda Morse also responded to the incident with the following letter addressed to the city.

Dear Manhattan Community, It is an honor to be Mayor of a diverse, welcoming community like Manhattan. In regard to the reported incident yesterday where disgusting racial slurs were painted on a vehicle, I just want to state that the behavior reflected in that incident is not the type of action or behavior condoned in Manhattan. This act does not reflect what I believe Manhattan is. Divisive, hateful acts such as this draw out strong emotions from many people. As Mayor, I condemn these disgusting acts and stand ready and willing to meet and discuss these types of issues with the community, University, RCPD, and all those impacted by these events. I encourage the Manhattan Community to reach out and support diversity and respect for all. I know that there is need for significant improvement and I know the community will come together to help make Manhattan a safe, inclusive and respectful place for all. If you have any information or knowledge on what occurred yesterday please reach out to the Riley County Police Department at 785-537-2112 so action can be taken.

A separate press release from Riley County Police Department is expected Thursday morning with an update to the investigation.

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The Riley County Police Department investigates a case where a car was vandalized with racial slurs.

The department says the report was made on Wednesday around 7:25 a.m. A vehicle had been defaced with graffiti in the 2200 block of Claflin Road in Manhattan.

The crime occurred sometime between 1:30 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Wednesday morning and contains

racial slurs and a threat

Officers are in the process of filing a criminal report.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.