SALT LAKE CITY — Utah officials condemned the vandalism of the State Capitol Tuesday after the phrase “Flock You” was spray-painted on the grounds, the latest sign of what authorities are calling an unfortunate decline in public enthusiasm for being continuously monitored.
Officials said residents should not interpret the growing backlash as evidence that Utahns are uncomfortable with a privately operated camera network capable of recording where vehicles go, when they leave, when they return, which routes they take, how long they stay, who they regularly visit, where they work, worship, shop, eat and sleep, and which other vehicles repeatedly appear near them.
“We understand some people have concerns,” one official said. “Fortunately, history has shown that government surveillance programs tend to remain narrowly focused forever and almost never expand beyond their original purpose.”
The phrase “Flock You” has reportedly become increasingly popular among residents opposed to the cameras, though officials said the trend itself is useful because it helps identify which residents may require additional monitoring.
Authorities are still searching for the vandals, but said they already have a pretty good idea where they drove afterward.
Utah State Capitol Vandalized With “Flock You” Graffiti
