Fake 'homeless' councilman left in parking lot of Fresno City Hall

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Early Tuesday morning a mattress with a message was discovered in Councilmember Steve Brandau's parking space.

A few insults were scrawled onto the mattress and the figure featured a picture of Brandau's face.

By the time Fresno City Councilmember Steve Brandau arrived at City Hall the mattress had been removed by the sanitation department over health concerns but people sent him plenty of photos.

Brandau believes the display is a response by activists to his support of the city's no-camping ordinance for the homeless.

"We've heard from them on Facebook, we've heard from them at the dais sometimes so I think it was one of them that left this message for me," Brandau said.

Brandau downplayed the incident but Police Chief Jerry Dyer says a crime took place.

"Our downtown policing unit is investigating this as a criminal act whether it be illegal dumping or something similar to that," Chief Dyer said. "There's also some concerns, obviously, whenever somebody that's in that mindset that will do something like that, you don't know what else they may be capable of.

City Hall surveillance video and video policing cameras captured two masked suspects in hoodies in the parking lot at 5 p.m. on Monday. Dyer is confident officers will be able to make an arrest.

The display has renewed debate over whether City Hall needs to increase security.

"There's been an ongoing discussion here at City Hall whether this parking lot should be fenced," Chief Dyer said.

Brandau says he's used to political attacks."You can't be thin-skinned in this game."

"If someone wants to express themselves I'm fine with that. I'd prefer, I'd go out to lunch with them if I felt like it would help," Brandau said.

Regarding City Hall access, Chief Dyer added there is an incredible need today in our environment to make sure your facilities are secure.