A Sooke B.C., brewery at the centre of a controversy over a “Show Me the Evidence” T-shirt has been vandalized, prompting RCMP to step up patrols in the area. Sooke RCMP received a report earlier Friday and have opened a criminal investigation, Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks, commander of the Sooke RCMP detachment, told CTV News. “Somebody spray-painted the word ‘evidence?’ on the building,” Willcocks said. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from the area and are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact police. The vandalism follows a controversy that began after a photo circulated online showing Sooke Brewing Company co-owner and head brewer John Adair wearing a T-shirt that read “Show Me the Evidence” while working at the brewery on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The image sparked widespread backlash, including calls for a boycott and negative online reviews. The brewery apologized and said the message on the shirt did not reflect its values. The company later announced that Adair had been terminated effective immediately. It also temporarily closed, cancelled upcoming events and said it had reached out to First Nations leadership following the controversy. CTV News Vancouver Island reached out to Sooke Brewing Company for an interview about the vandalism and the ongoing controversy. The brewery did not respond before publication. Police reviewing surveillance video Sooke RCMP said this is the first vandalism report it has received in relation to the controversy. “With any investigation, investigators are going to take into account a number of different considerations and different environments that may have spurred a criminal act to happen,” Willcocks said. Police have not identified a suspect. Willcocks said he was not aware of any damage to the building beyond the spray paint. RCMP presence rises Sooke RCMP officers already conduct frequent nighttime patrols in business districts and residential areas. “We’re going to increase patrols in our area, and make our presence generally be known,” he said. Police are also aware of social media posts connected to the controversy. Willcocks said he could not immediately confirm whether police have received other reports of threats, harassment or vandalism related to the situation. “I’d have to review our calls from the last little while,” he said. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact the Sooke RCMP. People who want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers.
