The Lincoln Memorial was temporarily closed this week after officials discovered that the monument had been vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti.
ABC News reported that the monument was vandalized with the phrase “Free Gaza,” which was painted in red, according to U.S. Park Police. Law enforcement have since opened up an investigation into the incident as clean-up crews work to restore one of America’s most iconic monuments.
“Vandalism was discovered in the area of Lincoln Memorial Circle and the Reflecting Pool,” U.S. Park Police said in a statement. “Anyone with information is asked to contact the United States Park Police tip line at (202)379-4877 or e-mail [email protected]”
Pro-Hamas vandals pour red paint & graffiti on the steps leading up to the Lincoln Memorial in yet another desecration of one of the most iconic American symbols. This month alone, there have been desecrations/disruptions at the Capitol, Grand Central Station, the Rockefeller… pic.twitter.com/3qMSSTXXuG
— Canary Mission (@canarymission) December 21, 2023
The U.S. Park Service said in a statement that it had started the process to restore the monument.
“National Park Service conservators have begun the process of removing the paint this morning, though it may take multiple treatments over several days to remove all of it,” the U.S. Park Service said. “The steps on the west side of the Reflecting Pool are closed to visitors while the conservation work takes place.”
On Thursday, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service said that the monument was now open.
“The expert conservators on our staff removed most of the paint & latex on the Reflecting Pool steps yesterday and finished up with a second treatment this morning,” the statement said. “The Lincoln Memorial and other sites remain open to the public. Good work, team!”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the USPP tip line at (202)379-4877 or e-mail [email protected]. https://t.co/UkMFV1LOy6
— USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) December 21, 2023