Large Crowd Shows Up To Support Men Accused Of Defacing Fallen Officers Memorial

DENVER (CBS4) - Two men accused of vandalizing the Denver police fallen officers memorial appeared before a judge on Tuesday with plenty of support.

Police say Matthew Goldberg, 23, and Robert Guerrero, 25, poured and sprayed paint over the memorial to fallen police officers during a protest. They both face several charges, including felony criminal mischief and desecration of a venerated object.

Supporters told CBS4 their actions got the attention they wanted.

"It makes a statement, it got our voices heard and that's what we need as a society for the people... we need our voices heard," said vandalism supporter Michael Madrid.

Arraignment has now been set for both suspects and they'll be back in court April 30.

Goldberg is accused of spray-painting the back of the Denver police memorial and crime lab with white paint. Guerrero was identified by police as the person who poured red paint on the front of the memorial, which was captured on camera.

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The incident came at the end of a Saturday march against alleged police violence. The protesters marched to Denver police headquarters. There they gathered in the courtyard as officers observed the vandalism taking place. Because of the size of the crowd no arrests immediately took place.

A crowd showed up at court Tuesday to support Goldberg and Guerrero. The group was very critical of police, only saying expletives about police and that Denver police itself is a gang.

One protester told CBS4 the fallen officers memorial was the right place to make a point because their message is still being heard.