A Black Lives Matter mural painted on an East Nashville street over the weekend has reportedly been vandalized.
Organizers of the mural told FOX 17 News' Harriet Wallace that the project has been "intentionally" vandalized less than 24 hours after its completion. The temporary, self-funded mural was painted by a group of artists led by muralist Thaxton Waters II along Woodland Avenue between North 1st Street and Interstate Drive next to Juvenile Court and Nissan Stadium.
Wallace reported the mural was vandalized prior to Sunday evening. The mural was approved by the Metro Arts Board of Commissioners and the artists began working on it Saturday.
On Sunday, organizers noticed that skid marks on the mural, which they believed were intentional. Organizers told FOX 17 News they've already contacted the mayor's office to ask whether the vandalism constitutes as a criminal incident.
There is currently no police report filed with the Metro Nashville Police Department as of Monday, FOX 17 News reports.
The mural includes large, bold letters similar to previously painted murals featured in several other cities including Knoxville, New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Tulsa and Eugene. Additionally, the "B" will include red, black and green, representing the Pan-African flag, the "L" will include colors of the rainbow to represent the LGBTQ community and the "M" will include music notes in honor of Music City.
Organizers of the mural confirmed it is a self-funded project made possible through donations the community.
Photo: Getty Images