The United States Park Police (USPP) are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual captured on surveillance footage in connection with the destruction of property at the Lincoln Memorial. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 18, 2024, when the suspect allegedly defaced the historic monument with spray paint.
## How to Report Information to the Park Police
The USPP has released high-resolution images of the suspect and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities emphasize that even minor details could assist investigators in locating the individual.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the USPP Tip Line at 202-610-8737 or reach out via email at USPP_Tipline@nps.gov. The agency maintains a dedicated investigative unit to handle reports of vandalism involving national monuments. According to federal regulations, the destruction of government property—specifically national memorials—is a serious offense that can carry significant legal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.
## Why the Lincoln Memorial Requires Federal Protection
The Lincoln Memorial is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and is designated as a national monument under the jurisdiction of the United States Park Police. Because the site is federal property, vandalism cases are investigated under federal law rather than local District of Columbia statutes.
The USPP is responsible for the law enforcement and protection of national park sites within the National Capital Region. Vandalism at such sites is tracked closely by the Department of the Interior, which allocates resources for the maintenance, cleaning, and restoration of affected surfaces. Previous incidents of graffiti at the memorial have required specialized chemical treatments to remove paint without damaging the historic Georgia white marble.
## Current Investigation Status
As of late September 2024, the USPP has not announced an arrest in this specific case. Investigators are currently reviewing additional footage from the National Mall’s security network to establish the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.
The investigation is ongoing. The Park Police have not released further details regarding the specific nature of the graffiti or the estimated cost of the cleanup, citing the active status of the case. Updates will be provided by the USPP as the investigation progresses.