While the era of Jim Crow should be long gone, the effects of this hateful period continue to remain prevalent today. It’s 2026 and there are now additional targets in the line-up of hating someone because of who they are, because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, or the choices they make about their personal lives. Acts of violence affect us all.
Recently, the 3rd Vice Chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party and his spouse were the target of malicious violence at their home. We have waited to make a public statement more than a week after the incident at the request of the family.
Lloyd and Andy Craighill-Middleton are valued members of our RCDP Executive Board, media team, community, and friends with many reading this. Why would anyone cut the brake line and ABS sensor of their family travel vehicle, Kismet, a vehicle they have been meticulously refurbishing in their back yard for the last several months? Who in their right mind would choose to endanger the lives of this couple or their 3 year old child?
The travel vehicle, that they named Kismet, had finally been readied for a final phase that required a mechanic. This was a blessing as the professional quickly realized something was terribly wrong and life threatening to anyone driving the vehicle, riding in the vehicle, or on the road near the vehicle. Dare we call this malicious vandalism what it had the potential to become – a murder weapon? That is a question for the police and the courts as the family still waits on discovery of the villain(s) at play with the life of a family simply living quietly in their hometown.
Ironically, the word Kismet refers to fate, destiny, or a set of predetermined events. Kismet seemed a fitting name after a year of multiple episodes preceding the recent cut brake line; a ripped-off bumper, slashed tires on this and other vehicles, BB guns fired into the brick walls of their home, and other vandalism that served no purpose other than to frighten or impede the joy of creating a family travel – or escape – vehicle bit by bit, as extra money and their hard work permitted.
It is all too easy to become numb to the continuing litany of attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community and the particular focus on trans individuals by the MAGA Trump administration. We could overlook this as just another act of vandalism and brush it aside as Americans have for centuries over behaviors that single out minorities by differing them or with cruel acts toward them. Instead, we will strive to do better in our imperfect America. We condemn acts of violence toward any of our neighbors and this week we make a statement for Lloyd and Andy. RCDP condemns in the strongest possible way any violence in any form toward the LGBTQIA+ community in our county. We will continue to work to build a community for all of us.
