The 37-year-old actor Micah Beals was arrested for allegedly vandalizing a statue of the late George Floyd located in Union Square Park, NYC, made by artist Chris Carnabuci. He threw grey paints on the bronze statue of the late George Floyd and was caught under a surveillance video riding a skateboard wearing a dark green jacket and black shorts at around 10:15 am on 3 October 2021.
As per CNN, a Manhattan District Attorney’s Office spokesperson, Caitlin Fowles, shared that he was arraigned at midnight on Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance, which meant that he would show up to his court date without having to post bail.
A second-degree criminal mischief charge carries potential imprisonment for up to seven years in New York State prison based on New York Lawyers.
Floyd, 46, died when then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes in police custody. His death sparked huge protests across the US and demands for social and racial justice.
As per the CNN statement, the cost to temporarily restore the bust was around $2000, and the cost to fully restore it will be able about $20,000, according to the complaint.
On 10/3/21, at approx. 10:15 AM, in Union Square Park, a person on a skateboard threw gray paint on the face and base of a statue of George Floyd. Info? DM @NYPDTips or ☎️ 1-800-577-TIPS. @NYPDShea @NYPDDetectives @NYPDPBMS @NYPD13Pct @NYCParks @mayorsCAU pic.twitter.com/PxNQs1u6mw
— NYPD Hate Crimes (@NYPDHateCrimes) October 4, 2021
The bronze bust of Floyd is part of Confront Art’s “SEEINJUSTICE” exhibition.
A team of volunteers was on the scene cleaning up the Floyd statue shortly after it was vandalized, Confront Art cofounder Andrew Cohen said earlier. “They went to the hardware and bought supplies out of their own pocket,” he said. “This is inspiring teamwork and support from the community.”
The New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tweeted regarding the vandalism, saying, “This act of cowardice and hate is reprehensible.”
Beals was also arrested previously for breaking curfew during the 6 January Capitol riots.
Who Is Micah Beals?
Micah Beals is professionally known as Micah Femia. His real name is Micah Joel Beals, and he is an actor from Michigan. He has worked in several stage productions such as The Village Theatre Group, Circle Theatre Company, and more.
His lead roles are in productions like The Lion, The Witch, the wardrobe, and the wizard of Oz. His best-known minor role is on CSI: NY in 2012 and Parks and Recreation in 2011. He has also starred in a short film Sati Shaves Her Head, and Mike Birbiglia's film Don’t think twice, and That’s So Raven.
He is also a musician posting his music on youtube and appearing in multiple TV commercials such as Volkswagen, McDonald's, Wal-Mart, Direct TV, and public service announcements against smoking and for drug-free youth.
Micah was charged with driving without a valid license in 2014 and was arrested on a misdemeanor charge in Washington in 2013.
He stands tall at 5’7, and his registered weight is 165 lbs.