A surveillance video appears to show Rhode Island State Senator Joshua Miller keying a vehicle sporting a "Biden sucks" bumper sticker at the Garden City Center in Cranston last Thursday. The vehicle owner's son told police he heard a scratching sound and witnessed Miller holding keys near the car. When confronted, Miller reportedly denied the act and left the scene.

Police encountered Miller approximately two hours later. He denied any wrongdoing, allowed officers to examine his keys, and suggested the accuser, whom he perceived as a "gun nut," was stalking him due to his support for gun control legislation. Miller also alleged the accuser had threatened him and was obstructing his path.

The Cranston Police Department refuted Miller's claims of reported threats. Body camera footage shows Miller mentioning Police Colonel Michael Winquist, implying Winquist was aware of the alleged threats. The police statement clarified that Miller had never reported any threats to Winquist or the department.

The victim, returning to the scene, identified Miller as the person who keyed his car, stating he didn't initially recognize Miller as a state senator. The victim’s mother mentioned to police that she suspected the act was motivated by her "Biden sucks" bumper sticker. The press release notes that the victim later identified Miller after noticing a "Re-elect Senator Josh Miller" sticker on Miller's vehicle and subsequently searching Miller's name online.

After reviewing security footage, police questioned Miller at his residence. In subsequent bodycam footage, Miller admits to the keying, again alleging he was threatened and “dared” to do it. When questioned about his motivation, Miller claimed he acted because he was "dared" by the victim.

Miller was charged with vandalism/malicious injury to property, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned, released on $1,000 personal recognizance, and is scheduled for re-arraignment on July 18, 2023.