New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Massachusetts State Police and University of Massachusetts Boston Police are investigating significant vandalism committed today at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester. Several dozen recent plantings of shrubs and flowers were torn out of the ground, numerous flags were ripped down and thrown into a wooded area, and hate-related graffiti – including a swastika – were written on the stone monuments. Preliminary investigation indicates that the crimes were committed early this afternoon.
Troopers from Troop H Headquarters and State Police-South Boston, along with the Department’s Crime Scene Services Section, and UMass Boston officers and detectives are conducting the investigation. The memorial is situated on open space owned and maintained by the university. Officers and Troopers are searching the grounds for evidence, conducting canvases of the area, and determining whether any security cameras in the area captured additional evidence.
The University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts State Police condemn this despicable act and are conducting a thorough and coordinated investigation to determine who is responsible and to hold that person or persons accountable. Anyone with information about the vandalism should call UMass Boston Police at 617-287-6084 or State Police at 617-740-7710.
The below photos show some of the graffiti, damaged flowers, and the bed from which some of the shrubs were removed. Please credit photos to Massachusetts State Police.
