The iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was vandalized on Wednesday with red paint and messages advocating for a free Gaza. The United States Park Police and the National Park Service were quick to respond, initiating the process of removing the graffiti. However, it may take several days to completely restore the steps leading to the memorial.
Authorities discovered the vandalism near the Lincoln Memorial Circle and the Reflecting Pool. The National Park Service conservators immediately started the painstaking task of removing the red paint, employing multiple treatments to ensure its complete eradication. As a result, the steps on the west side of the Reflecting Pool have been temporarily closed to visitors.
Images and videos captured by Fox5 DC showed workers diligently washing and brushing away the defacement. The graffiti, which read “Free Gaza,” has raised questions about the culprits behind this act of vandalism. The United States Park Police is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
This incident occurred amidst a backdrop of numerous pro-Palestinian protests in Washington, D.C., following the Israel-Hamas conflict that began in October. On Tuesday, dozens of anti-Israel protesters were arrested for staging an illegal rally inside the Capitol Rotunda, led by activist Linda Sarsour. Similarly, a protest calling for a cease-fire resulted in over 40 arrests at the Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.
The pro-Palestinian protesters had violated the boundaries of the Congressional space, leading to their arrest. One demonstrator even climbed a statue in the atrium before being charged with resisting arrest. The escalating tensions were further heightened when, hours before the annual White House Hanukkah party, 18 Jewish elders chained themselves to the White House gates, demanding an end to the U.S. funding and arming of the Gaza conflict.
In November, the police responded to the Democratic National Committee headquarters as pro-Palestinian demonstrators turned violent, demanding an immediate cease-fire. Approximately 150 individuals engaged in illegal and violent protests near the DNC headquarters, resulting in arrests and injuries to six U.S. Capitol Police officers.
The incident at the Lincoln Memorial adds to the concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The defacement of a national symbol serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted divisions and passions that continue to persist. As authorities work to restore the memorial, the investigation into the perpetrators behind the vandalism remains ongoing.
