NYC Mayor and NYPD Announce $15K Reward for Information on Vandals of World War I Memorial

Mayor Eric Adams Pledges Personal Contribution to Reward

Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has personally pledged $5,000 towards a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those who vandalized a World War I memorial. The 107th United States Infantry monument, located in Central Park on the Upper East Side, was defaced during a protest on Monday. Footage from social media shows anti-Israel demonstrators spray-painting the word "Gaza" on the statue's base and setting an American flag on fire.

State Offers $15,000 Reward for Information on Vandals

On Tuesday, Mayor Adams announced that the state will be offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandals. The reward is made up of the mayor's personal contribution of $5,000 and an additional $10,000 from the New York Police Department (NYPD). The mayor referred to the vandals as "cowards" and expressed his outrage at the desecration of symbols of freedom.

Mayor Adams Condemns Act of Vandalism

Mayor Adams, who lost an uncle in the Vietnam War, described the vandalism as a "painful" act and promised to treat it with the seriousness it warrants. He assured New Yorkers that the city will not tolerate chaos and disorder, even if those causing it claim to be acting in the name of peace. He urged protestors to express their anger and passion but to refrain from hatred, violence, and disorder.

Other Monuments Vandalized During Protest

During the protest, the monument honoring Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman at Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan was also vandalized. The mayor's office reported that NYC Parks is collaborating with the Central Park Conservancy to clean the memorials. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the largest war veterans organization in the country, released a statement supporting the rule of law and those working to uphold it.

Protests and Arrests During Met Gala

On Monday, hundreds of protestors marched from Hunter College to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the Met Gala was taking place. Police in anti-riot gear warned protestors that they would be arrested if they continued to block the street and did not move to the sidewalks. Despite these warnings, about 800 protestors remained by 8 p.m. The protest eventually dispersed around 9 p.m. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry reported that at least 25 individuals were arrested following the protest.

Protestors Express Anger Over Israeli Actions in Gaza

The protestors expressed their anger over Israel's bombing of Gaza and the resulting civilian casualties. One protestor was arrested for throwing eggs at police officers from a window. The deputy commissioner reported that the pro-Palestinian group attempted to force its way into the Met Gala, but police had secured the area and did not allow anyone to enter without permission.

What are Your Thoughts?

This incident raises important questions about the balance between the right to protest and the need to respect public property and symbols of national heritage. What are your thoughts on this matter? Please share this article with your friends and engage in the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 p.m.