WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police Department is reporting multiple attempts to damage the Confederate Soldiers Monument in downtown Wilmington in the last 24 hours.
According to WPD spokeswoman Linda Rawley, the incidents, referred to as the “Statue Situation,” began yesterday afternoon. Officers were dispatched to the zero block of 3rd Street after receiving a call from a witness, who reported vandalism to the monument just after 4 p.m
The statue, located in the median at 3rd and Dock streets, depicts a Confederate Soldier standing over a fallen comrade, “to honor the courage and self-sacrifice of New Hanover County’s Confederate soldiers,” according to the University of North Carolina.
Upon arrival, officers noted a white flag hanging from the monument, as well as spray paint on the head and feet.
According to Rawley, Officers were once again dispatched to the statue overnight, this time just after 1:40 a.m., after receiving a call that a rope was found hanging from the statue.
After closer inspection, officers determined that one end of the rope had been tied around the statue’s neck, with the other end most likely being attached to a car, in what Rawley said was more than likely an attempt to pull the statue over.
In addition to these, officers are now investigating reports that another statue, located at 3rd and Market street, has sustained damage as well.
Rawley says that the city is expected to have the statue pressure washed sometime this morning.
The Wilmington Police Department is investigating. Rawley asked anyone with information about these crimes to use the Text-a-Tip line, or call (910) 343-3609.
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