Sixteen Republican U.S. senators have urged the Department of Justice to investigate vandalism by pro-Palestinian demonstrators earlier this month at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, where more than 85,000 veterans are buried.
During a Jan. 7 anti-Israel protest in Westwood, demonstrators spray painted the cemetery’s entrance with the Arabic word “IntIfada,” meaning uprising or shaking off, “Free Gaza” and a red, upside-down triangle, a design included in the Palestinian flag, according to a video posted online.
The demonstration drew hundreds of protesters who shut down Wilshire Boulevard between the 405 Freeway and Glendon Avenue outside the U.S. Federal Building.
Officials with the Los Angeles National Cemetery, where veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and others are interred, said on Facebook that the Los Angeles County Graffiti Abatement Team removed the spray paint.
“The Los Angeles National Cemetery is where our nation’s heroes are laid to rest, and any act of vandalism is unacceptable,” officials said, adding the cemetery is cooperating with police investigating the incident.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier this week, Sens. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Marco Rubio of Florida, along with 14 of their colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting a DOJ investigation.
“Veterans represent the best of America,” the senators wrote. “The men and women who serve in the U.S. military exemplify the sacrifice, determination, and bravery that all Americans should strive for. Like those currently serving in our military, the veterans buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetery fought to protect the fundamental rights of all Americans in countless wars, even the rights of Americans who lack the moral clarity to condemn…
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