The World War II memorial in Washington D.C. was among several landmarks vandalized during mass demonstrations over the weekend.
On Sunday, the D.C. National Mall National Park Service tweeted photos of graffiti left by vandals at the World War II memorial as well as the Lincoln Memorial.
“In the wake of last night’s demonstrations, there are numerous instances of vandalism to sites around the National Mall. For generations the Mall has been our nation’s premier civic gathering space for non-violent demonstrations, and we ask individuals to carry on that tradition,” the park service tweeted.
In the wake of last night’s demonstrations, there are numerous instances of vandalism to sites around the National Mall. For generations the Mall has been our nation’s premier civic gathering space for non-violent demonstrations, and we ask individuals to carry on that tradition. pic.twitter.com/LmIHfW2AHj
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) May 31, 2020
The vandals graffitied “DO BLACK VETS COUNT?” on the World War II memorial fountain.
Black veterans have been included in the memorial, a point that the Friends of the National World War II Memorial reiterated in response to the vandal’s question.
“.@NationalMallNPS reports vandalism at #WWII Memorial. Question posed here conveys heartache, isolation & anger felt by many in #AfricanAmerican community. Answer: YES, the #WW2 Memorial remembers & honors the 1 million Black men & women who served #WeRememberThem #BlackVetsCount
.@NationalMallNPS reports vandalism at #WWII Memorial. Question posed here conveys heartache, isolation & anger felt by many in #AfricanAmerican community. Answer: YES, the #WW2 Memorial remembers & honors the 1 million Black men & women who served #WeRememberThem #BlackVetsCount pic.twitter.com/i3IewSvDSr
— WWII Memorial Friends (@WWIIMemorial) May 31, 2020
Vandals graffitied another question near the Lincoln Memorial, “YALL NOT TIRED YET?”
Vandals sprayed graffiti on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. (National Park Service photo/Released)
Another statue was vandalized with the words “Fuck 12,” a phrase referring to police.
Vandals sprayed graffiti on memorials in Washington D.C. (National Park Service photo/Released)
The acts of vandalism around the National Mall come amid protests of the death of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday. Since his death, demonstrations have grown around the Minneapolis area and have spread to cities across the country. While many are peacefully protesting Floyd’s death, demonstrations have grown increasingly destructive over the weekend by those with other motives.
D.C. officials said Sunday that 17 people have been arrested in connection with the demonstrations, Fox 5 DC reported. D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said that 29 police vehicles were damaged and 11 officers were injured, including one cop who suffered a broken leg after being hit with a brick.
Protests in D.C. have also seen the White House go on lockdown at several points throughout the weekend.
More than 60 U.S. Secret Service agents were also injured outside the White House after being struck by bottles, bricks and fireworks thrown during rioting over the weekend, according to an agency statement.
