Politics

Investigation launched into vandalism of NYC Vietnam memorial

Published

3 years ago

June 3, 2021

New York City’s Vietnam War Memorial in Queens was vandalized Wednesday, just days after Memorial Day. Now, New York State Police will be investigating the defacement.

City Councilman Robert Holden brought attention to the defaced memorial. He tweeted out photos of spray painted Nazi symbols, among other designs. In a tweet, he also offered a $1,000 reward for any information that would lead “to the arrest and conviction of the sick soul who did it.”

I am deeply disgusted by this cowardly act of vandalism at the Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
I am working @NYPD110Pct to make sure the perpetrator is brought to justice. I offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the sick soul who did it. pic.twitter.com/tKlcKzNsz8
— Robert Holden (@BobHoldenNYC) June 2, 2021

Next, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted out a statement, saying he was “disgusted by the vandalism.” He announced that New York State Police will further investigate the scene.

I am disgusted by the vandalism of the Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

This abhorrent act is antithetical to the moral fiber of our state & our country. I have directed the @nyspolice to assist in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/qsBUMMVcXc
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 3, 2021

This isn’t the first time a war memorial has been defaced in New York. Leading up to Memorial Day weekend, another Vietnam Veterans Memorial was vandalized in Glendale. Someone spray painted “Free Palestine” on the American flag hung on the fence. Holden also made an appearance there to capture the damage on Twitter.

I went to the Vietnam veterans memorial fence in #Glendale immediately after hearing that the American flag was defaced.
Police are investigating this cowardly act of vandalism and we won’t tolerate this insult to those who bravely served our country. pic.twitter.com/VTzIK2pTFp
— Council Member Robert F. Holden (@CMBobHoldenNYC) May 24, 2021

You can follow Jenny Goldsberry on Twitter @jennyjournalism.

Featured

Historic House Vote Expels Rep. George Santos Amidst Scandal

Published

2 days ago

December 1, 2023

Alexander Carter

In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.

Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.

Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.

Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.

Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.

Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.