A Freedom From Religion Foundation “In Reason We Trust” sign was stolen March 28 from the first-floor Capitol rotunda in Madison, Wis. The sign features Thomas Jefferson with his thought-provoking quote, “Question with boldness even the existence of a god. . .”
FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover and Legal Intern Ryan Jayne (pictured) filed the permit application March 9. The sign was put up in the Capitol to counter Easter religious displays.
After contacting authorities, FFRF was given access to the security footage. On Saturday, March 28, at 1:13 p.m., three suspects were recorded removing the 20×30-inch sign and the easel it was propped on.
The suspects are two males and a female, all Caucasian. Footage showed a male struggling to remove the tape holding the sign to the easel. The other suspects joined shortly after and posed for multiple “selfies” on a cellphone camera. One male left through the Wisconsin Avenue exit and the other suspects left via the West Washington exit.
The stolen easel was a rental from the Capitol Police Department.
The theft is a Class A misdemeanor, with a fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 9 months. FFRF is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s).
