Moms for Liberty Baldwin County chapter lead Rebecca Watson awoke Tuesday morning to a disturbing scene in front of her Fairhope home. Her mailbox had been ripped off its post and was on the ground, with her mail scattered in the yard.
Watson believes her work to protect children and families has led to her home being targeted by vandals.
The Fairhope Police Department is investigating. Watson believes it was a hate crime.
"I know that it's because I'm Mom's for Liberty," she added. "I know they targeted me."
Police tell 1819 News the investigation is in its initial stages, and a determination on the level of crime has not been made.
Trump signs were previously stolen from Watson's yard, but she said that didn't rise to the level of the mailbox incident. She wants to fight to protect all children and now must focus on protecting her own.
"I have my kids outside playing all the time in the front yard, and I'm not out there with them all the time, so it freaks me out," Watson told 1819 News. "I'm scared. I don't know if this has happened to other people, but I guess if I didn't have kids, I wouldn't be as freaked out."
Watson has frequently spoken at Fairhope City Council meetings and Baldwin County Board of Education meetings on several topics, including inappropriate materials in libraries, parental rights and religious liberties. During those meetings, Watson had to state her name and address.
Last week, Moms for Liberty hosted a town hall on Title IX and immigration. Watson believes the event sparked outrage from the left. She said people have the right to speak out without being targeted.
"That's what America is," she said. "We all have the right to say what we think and feel. We all are entitled to opinions, even if we don't agree and to damage someone's property or to scare and intimidate them is just not American."
The Watsons are adding extra security measures to their property. Watson said she wants to raise awareness and warn others to do the same.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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