Full Breakdown
Denver Pro-Life Billboard Vandalized Twice, Organization Vows to Continue Outreach
5/1/2026, 6:14:26 PM
Incident Overview
A pro-life billboard on U.S. 24 near Old Colorado City in Denver, Colorado, was spray-painted with the message “Trump is a pedophile war criminal!” . Within 48 hours of installing a replacement, the same site was defaced again, this time bearing the phrase “Dead Men Don’t Rape.” Both incidents occurred within a single month, prompting the billboard sponsor to replace the sign each time.
Background: ProLife Across America’s Billboard Campaign
ProLife Across America, a non-political 501(c)(3) founded in 1989 by Mary Ann Kuharski, operates on Biblical and Roman-Catholic principles. The organization places pro-life billboards nationwide, featuring an 800-number hotline that connects callers to support staff or partner Heartbeat International. In the most recent year, the group installed more than 10,400 billboards across 46 states, generating over 3,880 calls, 1,590 live chats and 680 emails. Colorado’s state constitution protects abortion as a right, imposes no gestational limits, and mandates Medicaid and private-insurance coverage for abortion services—context that intensifies local controversy.
Timeline of Recent Vandalism Incidents
- Jan 2023: Bellingham, WA billboard vandalized.
- 2023: Portland, OR billboard defaced; hotline information blacked out, “Kill Them Kids” spray-painted.
- Feb 2024: Eugene, OR billboard vandalized.
- Feb 2025: Fort Dodge, IA billboard vandalized.
- Apr 2025: Martinez, CA billboard vandalized.
- 2023-2026 (as cited): Ongoing incidents, including the Denver billboard’s two recent attacks.
Data & Impact
The hotline’s activity demonstrates the campaign’s reach, yet each vandalism event imposes a direct financial cost on ProLife Across America, which must fund the removal of graffiti and the production of new signs. President Angie Johnson described the repeated damage as a “financial burden” that threatens the organization’s ability to maintain its visual presence.
Official Statements from ProLife Across America
President Angie Johnson told Live Action News that vandalism has surged since the 2022 overturning of *Roe v. Wade*, creating a “heated” climate for pro-life messaging. She expressed sorrow that the Denver billboard, intended to honor mothers, was targeted, and emphasized that such attacks aim to silence a lifeline for pregnant individuals. Johnson affirmed the group’s resolve, noting that the organization will not be deterred and will continue to offer 24/7 support. She also thanked a “Good Samaritan” who reported the second defacement and offered assistance.
Criticism & Opposition
The graffiti itself reflects stark opposition to the billboard’s message. Phrases such as “Trump is a pedophile war criminal!” and “Dead Men Don’t Rape” were scrawled on the sign, echoing broader cultural battles over abortion and pro-life advocacy. Earlier vandalism in Portland featured the slogan “Kill Them Kids,” underscoring the intensity of dissent.
On-the-Ground Reports
Nineteen-year-old resident Jake Butler called Johnson to alert her to the second defacement, enabling a rapid response. Chad Roach, deacon of the Reformation Church of Elizabeth in Elbert County, reported that his 250-member congregation raised thousands of dollars to fund the Denver billboard. Lamar Advertising, the billboard operator, suggested relocating the replacement sign to a different area to reduce future risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s been a big uptick in vandalism since the overturning of Roe v. Wade,” — Angie Johnson, President, ProLife Across America
- “The temperature is heated,” — Angie Johnson, President, ProLife Across America
- “When something like this happens, ProLife Across America must pay to recreate the damaged or even destroyed billboard,” — Angie Johnson, President, ProLife Across America
- “We will not be deterred from continuing that mission.” — Angie Johnson, President, ProLife Across America
- “ After the second vandalism incident, Johnson expressed gratefulness to Butler and a determination to continue to share the message of hope: “We’re so grateful for the Good Samaritan who alerted us and even offered to help clean the billboard off, sharing that he believes in our message as well.” — Angie Johnson, President, ProLife Across America
- “There’s no question there is a battle of ideas going on in our culture, and it was not a surprise to us that people may disagree with the message that we believe every life is deeply precious, and life is to be loved, cherished and valued because it is a gift of God.” — Chad Roach, Deacon, Reformation Church of Elizabeth
What’s Next
Lamar Advertising is evaluating alternative locations for the Denver billboard to mitigate further attacks. ProLife Across America plans to maintain its nationwide billboard network and continue operating the 24/7 hotline, reinforcing its commitment to provide “hope, compassion, and practical help” to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies.
