The Interior Department is investigating vandalism at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, after neon graffiti was painted on the Atlantic Pavilion and the usually clear fountains overflowed with soapy bubbles.
On the inner side of the fountain, graffiti written in neon orange states: “Clean hands Dirty $,” according to a photo first posted by freelance photographer Andrew Leyden. Pink and green graffiti also litters the pavilion in the photo, though the area was later completely blocked off by law enforcement, which swarmed the area Thursday afternoon.
The large whips of foam in the water appeared to be a result of someone pouring soap into the fountain.
In a statement to CNN, the Interior Department called the vandalism “an utter disgrace,” adding that US Park Police is on the scene.
“The World War II Memorial is a sacred place to honor the service of our members of the Armed Forces and the over 400,000 Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in WWII. The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated. 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 department said.
