Authorities are investigating vandalism at the National World War II Memorial in Washington after its fountain was filled with soap and graffiti was painted on one of its surfaces on Thursday.
No arrests have been made or suspects named in connection with the vandalism, which caused suds to spill over the fountain’s sides and left the phrase “Clean hands Dirty $” and paint splatters on its surface.
The Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, condemned the act.
“The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated,” the department said in the statement. “Our U.S. Park Police are on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act.”
The memorial, which first opened in 2004, is located within the National Mall. It was built in honor of the 400,000 Americans who died in World War II, as well as 16 million who served, according to the National Park Service.
Friends of the National WWII Memorial, a nonprofit that works to maintain the site, called the damage unacceptable, describing it as a place of sacred remembrance.
“There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement,” the group stated. “A national memorial honoring those who served and those who never returned home should never be used as a canvas for vandalism.”
Early morning visitors to the site witnessed the foam overflowing, and police eventually kept visitors away from the fountain while they worked the scene.
Police have asked for anyone with useful information to come forward. Tips can be sent directly to the U.S. Park Police.
The vandalism comes as President Donald Trump is pushing renovations across the nation’s capital.
In April, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told The Epoch Times that Trump had big plans for the district.
“President Trump promised to make D.C. safe and beautiful again for all its residents and visitors by removing violent criminals from the streets, cleaning up the parks, and making long-overdue renovations to public lands,” Rogers said.
Locations being renovated span the entire capital and include the Lincoln Memorial Pool, the Trump Kennedy Center, the White House ballroom, public golf courses, and the construction of the new Independence Arch.
