9/11 Memorial vandalized with red spray paint in New York

The 9/11 Memorial North Tower Reflecting Pool in Manhattan was vandalized with red spray paint on Monday evening. The graffiti, which included the message ‘juststopkillingkids.com’, was written across panels engraved with the names of victims from the September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, terrorist attacks.

Jonathan Andrew Tijerina, 31, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and making graffiti. Police reported that the vandalism caused over $2,500 in damages. Tijerina reportedly recorded the act on video and identified himself as the perpetrator.

A spokesperson for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum stated that the incident was swiftly addressed by security and law enforcement, and the impacted area was immediately restored to its commemorative state. The site has been cleaned and sustained no permanent damage.