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Vandals cover Plymouth Rock in red graffiti

Posted at 11:32 AM, Feb 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-18 12:32:00-05

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Police are investigating a vandalism spree that left the famous Plymouth Rock covered in graffiti.

The rock marks the place where pilgrims from the Mayflower landed in North America in 1620.

Town officials say workers had removed the red spray paint covering the rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts, by late Monday morning.

The Town said in a Facebook post that without the swift actions of Department of Public Works crews, the vandalism could have caused permanent damage to the rock.

Police say vandals also targeted a seashell-shaped sign celebrating the upcoming 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing, the Pilgrim Maiden statue and the National Monument to the Forefathers.

As for the shell-shaped sign, WCVB reports that there are still some specks of paint that crews will remove on Tuesday. Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce asked the public not to help remove any remaining specks on the rock, “as many chemicals can harm or even destroy the shells as well as any type of pressure washer.”

It was not immediately clear if this graffiti incident had any connection to the anniversary celebration.

No arrests had been made as of Tuesday morning.