NEW YORK, NY—Mayor Eric Adams, alongside city officials, denounced the recent vandalism of the 107th Infantry Memorial in Central Park, announcing a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. In a strong demonstration of commitment to preserving city monuments, the New York City Police Department’s Crime Stoppers program is offering up to $10,000, supplemented by an additional $5,000 from Mayor Adams’ personal funds.
Mayor Adams expressed his distress over the defacement, emphasizing the memorial’s significance in commemorating those who fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
“It is painful to see a memorial to bravery being vandalized by cowards in the name of protest – one of the very freedoms those enshrined in this memorial died to protect,” said Adams.
James Hendon, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, reflected on the deep historical importance of the memorial, which honors the sacrifices of WWI soldiers. NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue also voiced their condemnation of the act, reiterating that such disrespect toward public monuments and the memories they preserve will not be tolerated.
Zach Iscol, Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management, also highlighted the gravity of defacing a site that honors American heroes. “The 107th United States Infantry memorializes soldiers who died in World War I. Last night’s acts were heinous and will not be tolerated in New York City,” stated Iscol.
The vandalism occurred amidst protests on the Upper East Side, which led to more than two dozen arrests. Another historical monument, honoring Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman, also suffered damage. Cleanup efforts are underway, with NYC Parks collaborating closely with the Central Park Conservancy to restore the memorials to their original condition.