NYC Mayor Adams Donates $5K for Tips on Anti-Israel Vandalism

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has contributed $5,000 to the reward fund for information leading to the arrest of anti-Israel protesters who defaced a World War I monument in the city.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Adams stated, “In spite of the unpopular notion, I’m going to say it: ‘I love America,'” as reported by the New York Post.

The mayor made his remarks in front of the vandalized Central Park World War I monument, which had been spray-painted and covered with anti-Israel stickers by a group on Monday night.

“We cannot stay silent when our symbols of freedom are disrespected by individuals who clearly have a disdain for our country and way of life,” Adams expressed. “I will not remain silent because our silence implies that everything is acceptable.”

Regarding the protesters, he added, “The same rights they are demanding — they are disrespecting the lives of those who fought for them. I want to demonstrate to all New Yorkers that our city will not tolerate chaos and disorder.”

Adams shared that his donation was a tribute to his late uncle, who died in the Vietnam War at the age of 19, as seen in this tweet.

“I’m not just talking the talk, I’m walking the walk,” he added. “I’m going to put my money where my heart is.”

With Adams’ donation, the Crime Stoppers’ reward total increased to $15,000 for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of those responsible for the vandalism, which included burning an American flag, according to the Post.

Flyers depicting the culprits, who participated in a violent protest against the Israel-Hamas conflict, were being circulated in the area, Adams mentioned.

The mayor asserted, “We will canvas this area. We will handle this crime with the seriousness it warrants.”

He emphasized, “Resolving this crime is a top priority for us. We have some leads on social media, and we will continue to focus on that. We urge anyone who witnessed anything to contact the New York City Police Department.”

Following the NYPD’s prevention of the mob from reaching the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the group targeted the 107th Infantry Memorial and another statute from the Civil War era, the Post reported.

On Tuesday, park staff reportedly cleaned the graffiti off the monuments.

During the press conference, City Veterans Services Commissioner Lt. Col. James Hendon remarked on the incident’s irony, stating, “What is bitter in its irony is that all who sacrificed and all who died would sacrifice and die again in order to protect the rights and freedoms of the very people who burned this flag and vandalized this monument,” as per the Post.