Vandalism at World War II Memorial Prompting Police Investigation

U.S. Park Police are investigating a vandalism incident at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Thursday after red paint was poured onto the walls and floor of the Atlantic pavilion and a foaming substance was dumped into the memorial's fountain, causing it to bubble. The paint formed the phrase "Clean hands Dirt $" on the pavilion surfaces.

The site was closed to the public with police tape while investigators worked to remove the paint and clean the fountain. The Department of the Interior described the memorial as a "sacred place" honoring the service of more than 400,000 Americans who died in World War II and said the act would not be tolerated.

"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," a spokesperson for the Interior Department said.

The nonprofit Friends of the National World War II Memorial also issued a statement condemning the defacement and emphasizing the memorial's role as a place of remembrance.

"We are deeply disturbed by the reported vandalism at the National World War II Memorial today. Defacing a place dedicated to the service and sacrifice of the World War II generation is unacceptable," the organization said.

Visitors present at the time expressed disappointment and called for accountability. One visitor, Scott Wimpfheimer, said the incident was a misuse of taxpayer resources, while another, Joshua Szklarz, noted his great-grandfather served in the war and urged that the perpetrator be held responsible.

Cleanup crews arrived later in the evening to wash off the paint and remove the suds from the fountain. The investigation remains ongoing.