UPDATE 2: Gilbane-Turner tells 7 News that two individuals have been identified who may be responsible for the graffiti at the new Highmark Stadium. You can read our full story here.
UPDATE: Gilbane-Turner announced that a $100,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the graffiti at the new Highmark Stadium. You can read our full story here.
ORIGINAL: All work at the new Highmark Stadium has been suspended after graffiti was discovered at the massive construction site over the weekend.
The following is a statement from Gilbane-Turner, which is working jointly as construction managers on the more than $2 billion project:
"Over the weekend, graffiti was discovered in several secure locations in both finished and unfinished areas of the stadium project site.
We suspended work and launched a full investigation in partnership with the trade contractors and unions to send a clear message about how seriously we take this matter. Gilbane | Turner maintains zero tolerance for graffiti, vandalism, or defacement of property on our projects. Such actions damage property, violate the law, and undermine the respectful, professional environment we are committed to maintaining.
We work diligently to create a jobsite environment that everyone can be proud of. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we expect on this project."
The Erie County Sheriff's Office released a statement confirming it is investigating the incident.
"Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Division is currently investigating graffiti found at the construction site of the new Highmark Staduim. The investigation is currently open and ongoing. There will be no further comment from the Sheriff’s Office at this time."
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was asked about the incident after speaking at an unrelated press conference and said in part, "Some idiot decided to put up pornographic and what we believe is anti-LGBTQ kind of sentiment at the stadium."
WATCH: Construction suspended at new Buffalo Bills stadium after graffiti was found in 'secure locations'
Poloncarz said the Erie County Sheriff's Office and Buffalo Bills security will be reviewing the cameras and they believe it was someone who has been working on the site because the graffiti was in areas that you need a pass to enter.
"This individual will eventually be apprehended, and they will be charged with a crime because they've caused substantial financial damage," Poloncarz said.
The county executive added that this appears to have been building over the last few weeks. They did not want to have to stop construction, but did so to figure out what's going on and apprehend the individual who is responsible.
This isn't the first time an incident such as this has halted work at the site. In October 2024, Gilbane-Turner paused all work after a suspected hate symbol was discovered. An investigation determined the symbol was actually an industry-approved knot commonly used by iron workers.
Poloncarz said he believes the project will still get to the Certificate of Occupancy goal date of June 1.
John Flynn, former Erie County district attorney, spoke with Michael Wooten about the potential charges for vandalism at the new stadium.
WATCH: Potential charges for vandalism at new stadium
According to Gilbane-Turner, a $100K reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the vandalism. Gilbane-Turner released the following statement:
"We suspended work because the people who come to this jobsite deserve to work in an environment that reflects respect and professionalism. When that standard is violated, we address it and take the time to reset expectations. That is who we are and how we operate.
Gilbane | Turner maintains zero tolerance for graffiti, vandalism, or any behavior that undermines the respectful and supportive environment we expect on our projects.
We appreciate the strong support we have received from our trade contractors, unions, local officials, law enforcement, and the workers on site as we work to identify those responsible for this unacceptable act. The response reinforces what we know to be true: the overwhelming majority of people on this project are committed to maintaining a welcoming and professional work environment.
A $100,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Work will remain suspended on Thursday as we continue our investigation and prepare to welcome approximately 1,500 workers back on Friday to a jobsite that reflects the standards they deserve.
This stadium will be delivered on schedule. Maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive jobsite is our highest priority."
