RISD students accused of pro-Palestine vandalism plead not guilty

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Two Rhode Island School of Design students faced a judge Thursday morning after allegedly using red spray paint and stencils to vandalize the Textron building.

Finch Bryant and Maggie Weng both pled not guilty after being charged with vandalism that occurred early Wednesday morning.

They allegedly wrote “Free Gaza” and “Kills Kids” underneath the Textron Headquarters sign at 40 Westminster St. in Providence.

Providence Police said they used surveillance footage that allegedly showed both walking into a school building with the spray paint and stencils.

Police added that a vehicle registered to Bryant was also allegedly seen near the building at the time the vandalism took place.

Supporters of the two yelled “Free Palestine” as they left the courtroom.

The incident is 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.

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