Democratic senator fined for vandalizing car with 'Biden sucks' bumper sticker

Senator Joshua Miller was caught holding a key in a car parked next to his own in June 2023. Credit: Cranston, Rhode Island Police Department/Facebook

The Democrat politician has been ordered to pay more than $3,000. (£2,330) in compensation for vandalizing a car with a 'Biden sucks' bumper sticker.

Joshua Miller, a Rhode Island state senator, was caught using a car key parked next to his own in June 2023 and reported to the police.

Mr. Miller, 69, did not dispute the allegations of vandalism and obstruction of a police officer.

Speech out of court, a Democrat said he took responsibility for his actions and apologized to his constituents.

He said, «I sincerely regret my actions in this matter, and I am disappointed with my behavior and lack of judgment.»

“In the blink of an eye, I demonstrated a lack of self-control, which affected my reputation. This is my own fault as I bear full responsibility for what led to today's lawsuit.»

Donation to local food bank

In office since 2006, Mr. Miller was required to pay $2,850 in damages to the owner of the car and donate $250 to the local food bank.

Miller parked to the right of a car that said «Biden sucks.» Sticker Photo: Cranston, Rhode Island Police Department/Facebook.

Police body camera footage showed the politician initially denying the vandalism of the car before blaming the victim, whom he called a «gun nut.»

«I'm a state senator. I think he recognized me, I think he is one of those who is obsessed with weapons,” Miller told the policeman.

Mr. Miller is the Democratic Policy Chairman of the Rhode Island Senate and chairs the House Committee on Health and Human Services.

He sponsored legislation to ban the possession and sale of assault weapons.

Security cameras are everywhere.

The footage shows a police officer skeptical of Mr. Miller's claims, telling him, «He [the victim] didn't recognize you.»

Police officers inspect Miller's car keys for paint. Photo: Cranston, RI Police Department/Facebook.

Another officer tells Miller that there are security cameras around the mall parking lot where the incident took place.

After reporting the incident to the police, the victim's mother suggested that the Democratic MP might have been unhappy with the «Biden Sucks» sticker on the bumper of their car.

Later, when the police questioned Miller, the senator admitted damage to his home, according to local media.

Joe Powers, Chairman of the Republican Party Rod Island, called the result «disappointing» and called on Mr. Miller to step down.