World War II Memorial Fountain Filled With Bubbles, Red Graffiti Found

The World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, was vandalised on Thursday, prompting an investigation by US Park Police and condemnation from veterans’ organisations and the nonprofit group that helps maintain the site.

Bubbles were found filling a fountain at the memorial, while the words “Clean hands dirty $” were painted in red on the site. The US Department of the Interior said late Thursday that Park Police were at the scene and investigating the incident.

“The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act,” the department said in a statement, describing the vandalism as an unacceptable attack on a national memorial.

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial, a nonprofit organisation involved in maintaining and supporting the site, also condemned the incident. The group said the United States has many places where people can express their views, debate issues and disagree, but argued that a memorial dedicated to those who served in World War II should not be used as a target for vandalism.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) described the incident as an act of “profound disrespect,” saying it was a direct insult to veterans who served and sacrificed during the war, as well as the families who endured the consequences of their service at home.

The World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, honours the millions of Americans who served in World War II, including those who lost their lives during the conflict. Located just east of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the memorial was vandalised on Thursday, prompting an investigation by US Park Police and condemnation from veterans’ organisations.

The incident comes after controversy surrounding the condition of the nearby reflecting pool earlier this year. A botched repair job left sections of the pool with peeling blue sealant and green algae. President Donald Trump subsequently blamed the deterioration on vandalism, although no evidence was publicly provided to support that claim.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with Thursday’s vandalism. The investigation remains ongoing.