Centuries Old Monument Vandalized

225-year-old Columbus monument vandalized in Baltimore

BALTIMORE (AP) – A 225-year-old monument to Christopher Columbus was damaged by a vandal who took a sledge hammer to the obelisk in Baltimore.

Baltimore Police spokesman T.J. Smith said at a news conference that crime apparently occurred early Monday. A video of the vandalizing was posted on YouTube.

The video included narration by a man who pummeled the base of the 44-foot-tall monument, shattering part of it.

Smith says police have not identified suspects in the crime.

According to the Maryland Historical Society website, the monument’s cornerstone was laid in 1792 at the north Baltimore country home of one of the first French consuls in the colonies. It was moved to its current location in 1964.

Last week, Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh ordered four Confederate statues removed.