The Martin Luther King Jr. monument in Denver's City Park fell victim to senseless vandalism, leaving both a plaque honoring Black veterans and a torch stolen, and ornamental decorations ripped from the memorial.

The discovery of the damage, reported by a Parks and Recreation worker to Denver Police, has stirred outrage and condemnation across the community.

As news of the vandalism spread, sources from the Dr. MLK Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission revealed the extent of the destruction, with Commission Chair Vern L. Howard sharing images of the defaced monument.

The memorial, a poignant tribute to Dr. King's enduring legacy, was crafted in 2001 by renowned artist Ed Dwight.

The sculptor behind the iconic memorial, expressed his shock at the targeted destruction, lamenting the loss of plaques and the desecration of historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth.

The memorial, intended to serve as a visual testament to Dr. King's life and the ongoing struggle for freedom and civil rights, now stands marred by senseless acts of vandalism that threaten to erase its message of hope and unity.

Recalling past incidents of vandalism directed at the memorial, including toppled statues of Douglass and Gandhi, Howard underscored the financial toll of the damage, estimating a hefty cost for repairs.

Determined to restore the monument to its former glory, Howard pledged to launch fundraising efforts while urging the city to safeguard the exposed parts of the memorial from further harm.

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“If this was a hate crime… no matter how hard they try, we’re not going to stop fighting for human rights,” Howard told Denverite. “We’re not going to stop fighting for voting rights. We’re not going to stop fighting for justice for all people.”

The Denver Police Department said an investigation has been opened and DPD’s Bias Motivated Crime Unit is assisting.