Update: Sonora Truck Vandalism, Group Believes Politically Motivated, Being Investigated
Update at 5:55 am on 6/25/25: In response to the incident in the story below, the Tuolumne County Republican Central Committee has also put out a statement that violence, intimidation, and threats — regardless of the motivation or political affiliation — have no place in the American system of self-governance. The statement also called on Republicans, Democrats, independents, and all Americans to reject political violence in every form and to engage in respectful, constructive dialogue.
Original story posted at 10:45 am on 6/24/25 Sonora, CA — The Sonora Police Department is investigating an incident where paint was poured and smeared onto a 2017 Nissan pickup truck that was parked on Elm Street.
Sonora Police Chief Turu Vanderwiel says it was reported to the department just before 10 am on Monday and is believed to have occurred sometime between the evening hours of Sunday and 9:45 am on Monday.
Chief Vanderwiel adds, “There are no named suspects or motives known at this time, and the case is under investigation. Anybody with information about this incident is asked to call the Sonora Police Department at 209-532-8141.”
In response to the incident, the Tuolumne County Democratic Central Committee has put out a statement noting that the truck belongs to one of its committee officers, and it happened a week and a half after the No Kings Protest at Courthouse Park. The group believes the two things are connected.
The group argues, “The timing of this crime comes on the heels of a wave of online outrage that was aimed at the recent peaceful “No Kings” protest. This crime appears to be an extreme political intimidation tactic from far-right actors whose intent was to silence any dissent from local Democrats, including those who participated in a nonviolent local protest that was in support of the U.S. Constitution.”
