New York City Mayor Eric Adams, determined to see justice served, has pledged $5,000 from his own finances as a reward for anyone providing information that leads to the identification and arrest of the individuals responsible for defacing the 107th United States Infantry monument. 

This historic monument, located on the Upper East Side of Central Park, stands as a tribute to the bravery of American soldiers who served during World War I. However, it became a target of vandalism on Monday night during anti-Israel protests in the area. 

Protesters spray-painted “Free Gaza” graffiti on the monument and burned an American flag at the site, desecrating a symbol of sacrifice and valor. 

Adams, whose uncle was killed in the Vietnam War, expressed his disgust at this blatant disrespect, emphasizing that he would not tolerate the defacement of a memorial that honors those who fought for democracy and freedom.

Vandalism Shocks New Yorkers

The 107th Infantry monument, commemorating a battalion that fought heroically during World War I, depicts seven U.S. Army soldiers charging through the Hindenburg Line, the final and strongest line of German defense, in September 1918. The monument honors the bravery of everyday soldiers, or “Doughboys,” who fought under General John Pershing. \

However, this symbol of courage and sacrifice became the target of anti-Israel protesters, who spray-painted pro-Palestinian messages and desecrated the memorial by burning the American flag. The demonstration took place near Hunter College and coincided with the Met Gala, an event attended by high-profile celebrities.

In addition to offering his contribution, Mayor Adams announced that the New York Police Department (NYPD) would treat the crime with the seriousness it deserves. “We will not stand by while people desecrate memorials dedicated to those who fought for democracy and human rights,” Adams declared at a press conference held in front of the monument. He expressed his anger and disgust at the actions, noting that his uncle lost his life serving in Vietnam at the age of 19.

NYPD Offers Additional Reward

In tandem with Mayor Adams’ $5,000 pledge, the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program has added a $10,000 reward for anyone who can provide crucial information leading to the arrest of the vandals responsible. Police have released surveillance footage showing a group of individuals congregating near the 107th Infantry monument. 

The video captures them placing pro-Palestinian stickers on the memorial and raising a Palestinian flag while spray-painting the phrase “Free Gaza” across the structure. The footage also reveals the burning of an American flag near the monument, adding further shock to an already distressing scene. 

The NYPD hopes the reward will incentivize potential witnesses to come forward with information that could lead to the swift identification and capture of those involved. Detectives are currently reviewing the footage and following leads to ensure that those responsible for this act of vandalism are brought to justice.

Community and Political Reactions

The incident drew strong reactions from both political leaders and veterans’ groups. Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican representing Arkansas and a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, condemned the vandalism. He labeled the perpetrators as “terrorist sympathizers” and accused them of violating the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act, which criminalizes the desecration of veterans’ memorials.

Vickie Paladino, a New York City Council member representing Queens, revealed that her friends had cleared the memorial of Hamas propaganda and replaced it with American flags. “Sadly, this is far from over,” Paladino warned in a social media post.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), an advocacy organization with chapters nationwide, also stated the incident. “We support the rule of law in our country and those working to uphold it,” said VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento. “Without them, segments of our population would have their rights infringed upon.”

Pattern of Protests

This was not an isolated incident of protest-related vandalism in the city. Later that night, a Palestinian flag was placed on the statue of Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman near Central Park. NYPD officers intervened to remove the flag while an officer climbed a ladder to inspect the damage. The statue had also been defaced with spray paint, and the police are currently searching for three suspects involved in this act of vandalism.

These acts of vandalism come amidst ongoing tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups following escalating violence in the Middle East. The incident in New York is seen by many as part of a global pattern of increasing polarization and radicalization over the conflict.

Historical Significance of the 107th Infantry Monument

The 107th Infantry monument unveiled in 1927, stands as a testament to the brave soldiers who fought during the First World War. The bronze statue, sculpted by Karl Illava, commemorates those who burst through the German defenses at the Hindenburg Line in 1918. Unlike many war memorials that honor high-ranking officers, this monument specifically recognizes the valor of regular troops who served under the American Expeditionary Forces led by General John Pershing.

The recent defacement has been particularly distressing to New York’s veteran community due to the monument’s historical significance. Zachary Iscol, the city’s Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Management and a Marine veteran, highlighted the importance of the statue. “This monument is to the Doughboys,” he said, referring to the nickname given to U.S. infantrymen during World War I.

Mayor Adams’ Firm Stand Against Vandalism

Mayor Adams’ response to the incident reflects his broader commitment to upholding law and order in New York City. His immediate action and personal contribution underscore his determination to ensure that those who desecrate public spaces are held accountable. “We’re going to treat this crime with the seriousness that it deserves,” Adams emphasized, condemning the actions as a direct attack on democracy and human rights.

The mayor’s efforts to engage the community, law enforcement, and local advocacy groups have drawn widespread support. His initiative is seen as a crucial step in reaffirming the city’s respect for historical monuments and the values they represent. The NYPD is already working closely with various veterans’ organizations to ensure that such attacks are prevented in the future.

The defacement of the 107th United States Infantry monument has reignited conversations about the balance between freedom of speech and respect for public property. The incident has galvanized a coalition of political leaders, veterans, and citizens determined to preserve the sanctity of the city’s historical landmarks.

New Yorkers have expressed their commitment to safeguarding the monument and ensuring that it remains a symbol of valor and sacrifice. With Mayor Adams leading the charge, the city has set a strong precedent in protecting its historical legacy, ensuring that the memory of those who fought for democracy is not tarnished by acts of vandalism.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are calling on the public to assist in identifying the vandals and upholding the values of democracy and human rights for which the 107th Infantry monument stands.