Suspect in vandalism of political campaign signs across Las Vegas Valley detained

Tony Garcia, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Aug 25, 2026

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LAS VEGAS — A 73-year-old man suspected in the vandalism of political campaign signs across the Las Vegas Valley has been arrested.

David Smith was arrested and booked Monday into the Clark County Detention Center for placing graffiti or defacing property, $5,000 or greater, according to a Metropolitan Police Department release.

Campaign signs in Las Vegas that show the likeness of California Gov. Gavin Newsom were vandalized with swastikas.

Last month, a political action committee that supports Gov. Joe Lombardo placed signs across the Las Vegas Valley highlighting Newsom’s endorsement of Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Nevada gubernatorial candidate.

The signs — funded by Better Nevada PAC — display pictures of both Democrats with the text: “Gavin Newsom Endorses Aaron Ford.”

“We are grateful to Metro for their efforts to apprehend this suspect,” Better Nevada PAC spokesperson John Burke said in an email to the Review-Journal. “This hateful symbol has absolutely no place in our society and we will continue to ensure that all vandalized billboards are fully repaired.”

Detectives were able to use automated license plate reader technology to identify and locate Smith, police said in the release.

The investigation into the vandalism of other political signs in the valley remains ongoing, Metro said.

Anyone with any information related to this investigation is urged to contact Metro detectives at 702-828-7777. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.

Smith is scheduled for a status check hearing Thursday in Las Vegas Justice Court.

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