RISD students plead not guilty to recent pro-Palestine vandalism in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Two Rhode Island School of Design students were arraigned Thursday in connection to vandalism at the Textron building in Providence.

Maggie Weng and Finch Bryant, both 19, pled not guilty in Providence District Court.

They were both held on $1,000 personal recognizance.

Providence police said the Textron building was vandalized twice this week.

The RISD students were arrested for allegedly having a part in the most recent vandalism incident, which happened Wednesday morning. Chief Oscar Perez said the Textron building was defaced with “Free Gaza” and “Kills Kids” written in red paint.

The incidents are among a string of pro-Palestine messages left on buildings in Providence.

Police are still looking for those responsible after Farm Fresh Rhode Island was hit with “Free Palestine” written in blue spray paint two weeks ago.

Red paint drips also remained on the door to the Rhode Island School of Design store on North Main Street on Monday night. It appeared someone had written messages, but they were wiped off.

ABC 6 News obtained the following statement from RISD:

“RISD is deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive campus environment for our students and we do not tolerate unlawful behavior of any kind, on- or off-campus. Providence police is handling this situation and can best speak to the specifics of their investigation.”

Weng and Bryant are both expected back in court on Nov. 15.