Protesters gathered at and vandalized the Los Angeles National Cemetery over the weekend, where over 80,000 veterans were laid to rest. With zero respect for the veterans of World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and more, protestors spray-painted “Free Gaza” on the entrance to the memorial.
The group also chanted “long live Palestine,” “there is only one solution,” “from the river from the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “Biden, Biden, you’re a liar,” according to video footage of the event. Hundreds of protesters held signs that read “ceasefire now,” “stop bombing Gaza,” “end the occupation now,” “stop the genocide,” and more. One sign read “Zionist = Nazi.” The protest also led to the temporary closure of Wilshire Boulevard.
California congressman Brad Sherman condemned the incident, linking the defacement of the cemetery to anti-Israel sentiments. Sherman expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “More proof that the people who hate #Israel, also hate America.”
National Review notes that the spray-painted message was particularly contentious as it covered a quote from Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, emphasizing the government’s duty to care for veterans and their families. The cemetery, which dates back to 1888, is the final resting place for 14 Medal of Honor recipients and over 100 Buffalo soldiers, African American soldiers who served during westward expansion in the 1800s.
Protesters at the scene voiced their opposition to U.S. support for Israel, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. One masked protester claimed that the demonstration marked three months of the “genocide in Gaza,” alleging that U.S. funds were supporting Israel’s military actions.
It remains to be seen what happens to the offenders, as California penal code prohibits the effacement of any tomb, monument, memorial, or marker in a cemetery. Such actions are punishable by imprisonment in a county jail.
