A U.S. Park Police officer stands guard next to the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the memorial in Washington, Friday, July 26, 2013, after the memorial was closed to visitors after someone splattered green paint on the statue and the floor area. Police say the apparent vandalism was discovered early Friday morning. No words, letters or symbols were visible in the paint. AP
WASHINGTON — The US capital’s iconic Lincoln Memorial has been vandalized with green paint and closed temporarily, authorities said Friday.
The splatter on the landmark larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln was discovered overnight, said Captain Steven Booker, a spokesman for the US Park Police.
Criminal investigators are looking into the incident, including reviewing footage from security cameras, he said.
Paint was found on the statue, its pedestal and the floor around it, he added.
The monument — situated on Washington’s National Mall — is a major draw for tourists.
It will be closed temporarily for cleanup purposes and as evidence is reviewed, according to Booker.
Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States.