SPRINGFIELD, Mo.– Authorities in Greene County are investigating an act of vandalism on a monument at the National Cemetery. 

According to a release from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to provide off-duty security at the National Cemetery located in Greene County in response to vandalism occurring across the country to historic monuments, alternating shifts with a privately contracted security firm.

Upon relieving the private civilian contracted security guard on Wednesday morning, a Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy was notified by a citizen a large amount of red paint had been thrown on one of the monuments; no other monuments were damaged or vandalized.

“Despite one’s difference in opinion or attempt to make a political statement, vandalism is still a crime,” states Sheriff Jim Arnott. The investigation of this incident is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 417-829-6230.

(edited news release)