“The use of fire has a deeply rooted association with political and civil rights intimidation. This fire victimized not only the property owners but represented a threat to entire communities,” she said in a statement. “This sentence sends a message that our community will not accept those types of actions and that civility and respect will prevail.”
The display at Holiday Brook Farm in Dalton had featured 19 wrapped hay bales painted with the words “USA” and “VOTE” along with the names of the then-Democratic presidential ticket.
On Oct. 9, 2020, Durfee used motor oil and gasoline to set the display alight because he “disagreed with the political stance it represented,” according to a police report.