Racist Graffiti On IL Business: 'We Will Be Closing,' Operators Say

OGLE COUNTY, IL — A business in Northern Illinois is closing after it was targeted with racist graffiti.

The garage doors of Cleary Motorcycle Service in the Kings area of Ogle County were spray painted with the words “leave,” “die” and a racial slur against Black people, as shown in a photo of the vandalism posted by the business on Facebook.

In an initial social media post Sunday morning, the business said it would close until further notice, but, in a follow-up post later Sunday, its operators thanked the community for their support but said Cleary would be closing for good.

“Unfortunately the incident that has occurred at our shop isn't the first threat since opening our doors,” the follow-up Facebook post said. “We are saddened, upset, and unfortunately fearful as the intention of this business venture was for our 16 year old son to continue his entrepreneurial goals.

“With heavy hearts we will be closing this location as this was a hobby business venture that we are unwilling to expose ourselves to the radical racism that is consuming our national and unfortunately the community I have grown to love over the last 20 years.”

The operators said they would “rebuild in an environment better suited for who we are.”

The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, WIFR reported.