The graffiti showed a death threat against Indians and a swastika on a transit sign that warned about road closures for the event.

Winnipeg police confirmed the signs were tagged with hate messages and said the case is being investigated as a hate crime. Const. Claude Chancy added that police increased their presence at the event.

The president of the Sikh Society of Manitoba said the community is staying strong and keeping a positive attitude.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew condemned the hateful graffiti, stating there is no place for racism against Sikhs.

Hate‑motivated crimes in Winnipeg rose from 44 in 2024 to 112 in 2025, according to the Winnipeg Police Service’s 2025 statistical report.

The increase shows why tracking hate‑crime trends matters and why police and communities work together to protect public events.