WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Bloomington man has been released from jail after authorities say he defaced the base of the Washington Monument.
Shaun Ray Deaton, 44, allegedly painted a message and a splat of red paint on the Monument Tuesday night. He was arrested by the United States Park Police.
According to a court document, Deaton's clothes were covered in red paint and he still had the paint brush in his hand while he was being arrested.
The document also says Deaton told police he had planned the act "for a while" and traveled from Indiana to D.C. within the last week.
"Deaton also stated that there would be more to come in the future but would not specify further," the document said.
Crews spent Wednesday removing the top layer of paint, and say the stone will be treated with cleaning product. The damage is estimated at over $1,000, according to a court document.
At first light, our Monument Preservation crew got to work on the Washington Monument, after it was defaced with red paint last night. The top layer of paint is coming off and the pigment that seeped into the stone will be treated with many rounds of cleaning product application. pic.twitter.com/ifFHoTTuif
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) September 21, 2022
Deaton appeared in court Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance. His next appearance in D.C. court is scheduled for October 11.
Online court records show Deaton is charged with destroying property. The United States Park Police say there could be more charges as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the USPP Tip Line at 202-379-4877 or via email.
