May 20, 2024
Police release images of protester who vandalized 121-year-old NYC memorial amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations

Police release images of protester who vandalized 121-year-old NYC memorial amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations

Cops on Wednesday released images of one of the protesters they say vandalized a 121-year-old statue in Central Park.

A group splintered off from a large demonstration near the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the Met Gala on Monday evening and headed south down Fifth Ave., the Daily News previously reported.

At 59th St., members of the group defaced the General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument in the southeast corner of Central Park, as seen by a News reporter.

Pro-Palestinian protesters defaced a gilded statue of William Tecumseh Sherman in Central Park at the corner of 59th St., and Fifth Avenue. on May 6, 2024. (Kerry Burke)
Pro-Palestinian protesters defaced a gilded statue of William Tecumseh Sherman in Central Park at the corner of 59th St., and Fifth Avenue. on Monday. (Kerry Burke)

Protesters hung a Palestinian flag and defaced the statue with spray paint and stickers.

The group previously vandalized the One Hundred Seventh Infantry Memorial at the corner of Fifth Ave. and E. 67th St.. The memorial honors members of the infantry who died in World War I.

The damage particularly irked Mayor Eric Adams, who said during a Tuesday press conference the city would focus on tracking down those responsible.

Pro-Palestinian protesters defaced a gilded statue of William Tecumseh Sherman in Central Park at the corner of 59th St., and Fifth Avenue. on May 6, 2024. (Kerry Burke)
Pro-Palestinian protesters defaced a gilded statue of William Tecumseh Sherman in Central Park at the corner of 59th St., and Fifth Avenue. on Monday night. (Kerry Burke)

His office later stated the mayor would fork over $5,000 of his “personal money” to anyone who can help track down the vandals who targeted the memorials on top of a $10,000 reward to be paid out by the city.

Police on Wednesday released photos of the sought vandal in the hopes someone may recognize him. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

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