'Parks and Recreation' Actor faces charges for throwing paint on George Floyd memorial in New York
An actor who previously landed a small role on the sitcom "Parks and Recreation" is now facing charges for allegedly defacing a George Floyd memorial statute located in New York City.
According to People magazine, the New York Police Department's Hate Crime unit tweeted that Micah Beals was caught on camera dousing paint on the statue.
Reporter Katie Campione stated that "Beals allegedly rode by the statue on a skateboard and threw gray paint on its face and base on the morning of Oct. 3, police said."
In addition to identifying Beals, NYPD also included footage of the vandalism.
ARREST UPDATE for George Floyd Statue vandalism. \n\nArrested:\nBeals, Micah\nMale, 37\nManhattan \n\nCharges:\nCriminal Mischief 2nd \n\n@NYPDShea @NYPDDetectives @NYPDnews @NYPD13Pct @NYCParks @NYPDPBMShttps://twitter.com/nypdhatecrimes/status/1445002263450292231\u00a0\u2026— NYPD Hate Crimes (@NYPD Hate Crimes) 1635173126
Shortly after the law enforcement agency revealed Beals' identity and the nature of his crime, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) criticized his actions, describing the incident as "reprehensible." She also indicated that the police department will be holding Beals accountable for his behavior.
"This act of cowardice and hate is reprehensible," Hochul tweeted on Oct. 4 alongside an article detailing the incident. "I have directed @nyspolice Hate Crimes Task Force to provide any assistance in the investigation to find the perpetrator and hold them accountable."
Campione also reported, "As an actor, Beals is known under his stage name: Micah Femia. He has appeared in one episode of Parks and Recreation, as well as an episode of CSI: NY. His other credits include several short films, along with the feature film Pop Star."
