2 men charged with damaging controversial swastika mural

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Charges have been filed against two men accused of vandalizing a mural in Milwaukee near Locust and Holton. 

Peter Mehler, 73, and Zechariah Mehler, 41, were both charged with criminal damage to property, as party to a crime. 

The mural shared a message about the war in the Middle East with a swastika inside the Star of David and the words, "the irony of becoming what you once hated." 

The mural was vandalized overnight Sept. 14. 

According to a criminal complaint, investigators reviewed surveillance footage and captured two suspects using a hammer and sledgehammer to vandalize the sign. 

In the video, authorities say while looking up at the mural Peter stated, "it's hate speech."

Zecheriah, according to the complaint, is heard on video stating, "it's insightful hate speech." 

Both men, according to officials, were seen holding up their middle fingers at the mural before damaging it with hammers. 

The mural was completely destroyed.