Monroe County GOP Condemns Vandalism, Calls for Action on Crime

Staff report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 4, 2025) — The Monroe County Republican Party is condemning a series of vandalism incidents that occurred early Wednesday morning and calling for immediate action in response to what it describes as a troubling rise in local crime.

According to the Bloomington Police Department, officers responded around 7 a.m. to reports of broken windows at The Forge, located at 617 N. Madison St. Additional damage was reported at The Mill and two other businesses at 648 N. Madison. Large rocks believed to have been used to shatter the windows were recovered at each scene.

Police have not identified suspects or determined a motive, but the local GOP is linking the damage to broader concerns about public safety and lawlessness.

“These incidents are a disturbing reminder of the growing trend of rising crime in our community, which is affecting everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” said Noelle Conyer, a spokesperson for the Monroe County GOP, in a news release. “Tesla owners, regardless of who they voted for, are now victims of a climate of lawlessness.”

Police summaries show that Bloomington continues to experience routine reports of minor crimes such as theft, shoplifting, and assault. However, there is no verified data indicating a significant recent surge in violent crime. Shootings in Bloomington have occurred sporadically since the pandemic but are typically not random—victims and suspects often know one another.

The GOP is urging local Democrats and elected officials to join in condemning the vandalism and to take action.

“This is not a partisan issue—rising crime impacts us all,” the statement said.

The Bloomington Police Department says the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jeff Rodgers at (812) 349-3318 or via email at rodgersj@bloomington.in.gov.

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