The perpetrators of the theft and vandalism at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre memorial last Sunday turn out to be the usual suspects. Arrested and being held on bail were two low-lifes, who appear to have no permanent addresses: Michael Kennedy and his companion Kara O'Neil were arrested after they were observed tearing down banners and removing items like teddy bears, trophies and a shadowbox with pictures of the slain from the makeshift memorial to honor the 17 victims of the February 14 shooting. Kennedy has a long criminal record, including convictions for burglary, drug distribution and domestic violence. He's been in and out of jail and halfway houses for the better part of the last 15 years.
The couple were arrested when a Broward County deputy sheriff saw them handling objects from the memorial in the back of their car, which had expired tags and which was parked in a "no parking" zone. Police also observed a bottle of vodka in the front seat. An apparently drunk Kennedy told the arresting officers, “I ripped down the anti-gun banner because I am pro-gun." Just the kind of guy with a record that you want to be "pro-gun."
With his previous convictions, this latest felony should land Kennedy in jail for a long time. Parkland Commissioner Ken Cutler commented about the vandalism and theft, “It’s overwhelming. For somebody to steal from a memorial for children who were shot, it’s just overwhelming.”
(Photo: Mug shots of Kennedy and O'Neil; all that's missing are the Trump MAGA hats.)
