MILWAUKEE (VINnews) – A father and son were sentenced after vandalizing a controversial mural in Milwaukee that depicted a Star of David alongside a swastika, a case that drew attention amid broader tensions tied to the war in Gaza.

Peter Mehler, 74, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of criminal damage to property and was fined $50. His son, Zechariah Mehler, 43, who previously pleaded guilty to the same charge, received a withheld sentence and was ordered to complete 25 hours of community service. A judge also ordered the pair to pay a total of $1,000 in restitution to the property owner.

Authorities said the incident occurred in September 2024 in the city’s Riverwest neighborhood, near the intersection of Holton and Locust streets. Investigators said the two men arrived with tools including an axe, sledgehammer and other hammers, and were captured on surveillance video repeatedly striking the mural. At one point, Zechariah Mehler was seen gesturing toward the camera.

Police said Zechariah Mehler returned the following day with a pry bar to further damage what remained of the artwork.

The defendants argued the mural was offensive and described their actions as a response to what they viewed as hate speech, while acknowledging in court that their conduct violated the law.

During sentencing, the judge noted the broader context surrounding the case but emphasized that the proceedings were focused solely on the criminal charges. The property owner was at one point warned by the court after making remarks unrelated to the case.

No injuries were reported.