A man was arrested on Tuesday evening after vandalizing the base of the Washington Monument, according to reports.
Photos posted on Twitter show red paint smeared on the west side of the monument’s base, along with the phrase, “HAVE U BEEN F*** BY THIS,” painted right beside it.
Alert: Area around base of the Washington Monument temporarily closed. USPP have adult male in custody for vandalism. NPS conservators will work on restoration process.
— USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) September 21, 2022
“The United States Park Police has an adult male in custody for vandalizing the base of the Washington Monument with paint,” the U.S. Park Police said in a statement.
“The area at the base of the monument will be temporarily closed,” the statement continued. “National Park Service conservators will work on the restoration process. The investigation is ongoing and there is no more specific information at this time.”
The 550-foott tall monument is shaped like an obelisk, with four tapering sides leading to a pyramid shape at the top. It is located on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.
“Gov says tough s***,” the suspect wrote on the monument.
This isn’t the first time anarchists have defaced institutions. Most recently, a GOP office in Florida was vandalized with someone referring to its members as fascists in spray-paint on the front window.
“Eat s— fascists,” read the spray-painted message on the entrance to the office of the Republican Party of Seminole County. Glue was also squirted into the front door lock, according to the police report.
“It’s a disgusting attack,” said Florida RNC Communications Director Julia Friedland. “This is a scary event for volunteers that, like I said, are just out here in the community trying to get the vote out, spread our Republican message.”
The Seminole County Democratic Party Chair also expressed shock and disappointment over the vandalism.
“These are our neighbors,” said Lynn Moira Dictor. “While we may be across the aisle, they live across the street. We would never in any way, shape, or form approve of violence or hateful behavior.”
A party spokesperson said the spray paint has since been cleaned up by volunteers and security has been improved. The Casselberry Police Department estimated the damage to the window and door lock at around $700.
