Pulaski Monument Vandalized With Spray Paint In Baltimore's Patterson Park
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A monument of Casimir Pulaski was vandalized in Patterson Park overnight Thursday.
According to city officials: "Baltimore City Recreation & Parks is currently addressing the vandalism of the Pulaski Monument. We have filed a police report and are working closely together with the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to have the graffiti removed. Please stay clear of the area to allow crews to work."
According to a photo of the vandalism posted in a neighborhood group, the spray paint reads, "white lies."
"It really is a shame. I mean, such a beautiful piece of artwork they ruined," said Vince Trionfo, Baltimore resident.
The monument is of Casimir Pulaski, known as the father of the American cavalry during the Revolutionary War.
"There's certain historical figures that I don't think should be idolized, but I don't know anything about him, so I guess I can't really comment, but in general graffiti's bad," said Josh Dean-Hunter, another resident.
Pulaski became a general for the Continental Army, and died at the Battle of Savannah- later becoming an honorary American citizen.
Officials said the graffiti will be removed.
"We're working with CHAP. CHAP will bring in a conservator who specializes in monument restorations and they will be taking the lead on the restoration of the monument," said Chief of Maintenance David Carter.
Last year, on the other side of the park, vandals threw paint onto the children's monument- a tribute to Francis Scott Key.
The message, "Racist Anthem" was spray-painted then. It too was cleaned and restored.
"So feel like, at times, they're just trying to start trouble and I don't know, it's like they're trying to prove a point, but how is that proving a point when you're just throwing it on a building or a statue or something important to the community?" said Liz Askew, another resident.
Carter said he encourages those living in the area to call about these incidents.
"We encourage them to call 311 or our administrative offices to report it. We're hoping our community is the steward of our parks and our monuments and the extra eyes in the field really help."
