Iconic Washington Monument vandalized with red paint, closed for public
The Washington Monument was temporarily closed for the public after a vandal damaged it with red paint. The police have the offender in custody, as per the latest reports.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
The Washington Monument was vandalized by a man who splattered red paint and wrote a secular message at the monument's base. After the incident, the monument was closed to the public for a short time. The United States Park Police also stated that they had captured the culprit behind the vandalization.
The incident happened on September 20, after which it shut down the monument's base. The Park Police did not confirm the reopening of the memorial for the public. It is, however, believed that the monument might open from 10 am the next day.
The conservators of the National Park Service have been tasked with the cleaning and repairs of the damages.
The United States Park Police declared the news of the vandalization on their Twitter handle. The social media photos show red paint on the wall and a message beside it.
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Barack & Michelle Obama return to the White House. Here's why
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Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama returned to the White House for the unveiling of their official portraits.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama returned to the White House for the unveiling of their official portraits.
This is their first joint visit to the iconic building since they left in 2017 and the return of a Washington tradition last celebrated in 2012.
This is their first joint visit to the iconic building since they left in 2017 and the return of a Washington tradition last celebrated in 2012.
The ceremony to unveil their portraits was hosted by President Joe Biden and attended by First Lady Dr Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris among others.
The ceremony to unveil their portraits was hosted by President Joe Biden and attended by First Lady Dr Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris among others.
Biden during the ceremony called Obama, 61, and Michelle, 58, very close to the hearts of the American people.
Biden during the ceremony called Obama, 61, and Michelle, 58, very close to the hearts of the American people.
The portraits were acquired and commissioned by the White House Historical Association, a tradition the association has undertaken since 1965.
The portraits were acquired and commissioned by the White House Historical Association, a tradition the association has undertaken since 1965.
The official names of the artists have been revealed: Robert McCurdy, who painted President Obama's portrait, and Sharon Sprung, the artist behind Mrs Obama's portrait.
The official names of the artists have been revealed: Robert McCurdy, who painted President Obama's portrait, and Sharon Sprung, the artist behind Mrs Obama's portrait.
Obama said their portraits have a special significance, because they will hang alongside portraits of other Presidents and first ladies dating back to George and Martha.
Obama said their portraits have a special significance, because they will hang alongside portraits of other Presidents and first ladies dating back to George and Martha.
In the portrait, Obama, dressed in a black suit with a grey tie, stands prominently at the centre of the canvas.
In the portrait, Obama, dressed in a black suit with a grey tie, stands prominently at the centre of the canvas.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama wears a formal blue dress and is seated on a sofa in the Red Room.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama wears a formal blue dress and is seated on a sofa in the Red Room.
While authorities have arrested the man responsible for the defacing, his details have not been shared. They are conducting the investigations and will offer more information when the investigation is complete.
The Washington Monument was named after the United States' first President, George Washington. It is a 550 feet tall structure that is popular among tourists. The monument is located in Washington D.C.'s National Mall, between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
The obelisk of the structure was completed in 1888 and saw more than 6 lakh visitors annually. The monument was considered the tallest structure in the world from 1884 to 1889, after which the Eiffel Tower in Paris replaced the Washington Monument.
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FAQs
Who vandalized the Washington Monument?
A male has been identified as the culprit of the vandalization. However, his name and other details have not been made public.