Mayor Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, denounced protesters for vandalizing a World War I memorial in Central Park on Monday night. The incident involved the burning of an American flag and defacing the monument with graffiti. In response, Adams offered a $5,000 reward for catching those responsible, in addition to the $10,000 reward being offered by the NYPD.
The vandalism occurred at the 107th Infantry Memorial on Fifth Avenue and came as pro-Palestinian protests spilled into the streets on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Adams has been increasingly critical of some of the protesters' tactics, particularly when it comes to desecrating the American flag.
The mayor also expressed disappointment over Columbia University's decision to cancel its main commencement ceremony following recent upheaval in the city. He believed that an orderly ceremony could have been ensured.
The World War I memorial and another monument, the General Sherman Memorial at 59th Street, were both defaced with graffiti. Crews spent Tuesday morning cleaning both monuments.
Adams' denunciation of the protesters came a day after he pledged his support for NYPD Crime Stoppers and offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction against those responsible for vandalizing the General William Tecumseh Sherman monument in Central Park during protests around Met Gala on Monday evening.
The incidents mark the latest in a series of protests that have rocked New York City since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Adams has grown increasingly vocal against those protesting Israel's military actions and has claimed without evidence that they are driven by outside agitators and are exploiting a recent settlement agreement between police and protestors.
The NYPD is currently investigating both incidents, and anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
