Atlanta authorities have arrested a man they believe took part in the vandalizing of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Georgia this past weekend.

Authorities claim the unidentfied man, with the help of other individuals, defaced the performing arts center by ‘plastering the building with handbills of garbled rants about 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, rappers and various record companies’.

The vandals also hung a noose around the neck of Tupac Shakur’s bronze statue which is located in the Center’s Peace Garden.

The incidents reportedly took place on Saturday (October 20) and Monday (October 22) during early morning hours.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incidents as hate crimes. 

“We thank everyone for their prayers and support. Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators,” said Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, via a statement. “Hate comes in all colors and genders therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings. With God's guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community.”