Mural of JFK assassin Oswald on Dallas building draws scrutiny

August 26, 2016 12:00 am • Last Updated: August 26, 2016 11:55 pm

A person walks along the sidewalk by a mural of Lee Harvey Oswald painted on an exterior wall outside the Members Only barbershop, Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Dallas. Barbershop owner Christian Avanti hired an artist to paint the black and white mural with a John F. Kennedy quote over it, "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names." (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

DALLAS (AP) — A nearly two-story mural of presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald recently painted on a Dallas building is drawing criticism for being insensitive.

The mural outside a barbershop features Oswald's black-and-white portrait. He lived in the neighborhood and the owner of the barbershop, Christian Avanti, says the mural is meant only to reflect the neighborhood's history and isn't an homage. Avanti says it wasn't meant to upset people.

The area is part of an arts district featuring a variety of murals. The Bishop Arts District Merchants Association says what property owners choose to paint on their buildings is up to them.

Neighbor Jeanie DeLeon tells KXAS-TV that the mural hurts efforts to promote the district.

Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963 as the president traveled through Dallas in a motorcade.

Christian Avanti, owner of the Members Only barbershop, poses in front of a mural of Lee Harvey Oswald painted on an exterior wall outside his business, Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Dallas. A nearly two-story mural of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald recently painted on a Dallas building is drawing criticism for being insensitive. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

A mural of Lee Harvey Oswald painted on an exterior wall outside the Members Only barbershop is shown, Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Dallas. Barbershop owner Christian Avanti hired an artist to paint the black and white mural with a John F. Kennedy quote over it, "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names". A nearly two-story mural of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald recently painted on a Dallas building is drawing criticism for being insensitive. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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