The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department is investigating red paint on multiple landmarks across Library Mall found in the early morning hours Friday.
Facility crews discovered red paint on the Hagenah Fountain, the front doors and steps of Bascom Hall and around the Abraham Lincoln statue. Flyers were also affixed to Bascom Hall.
The UW-Madison news release did not detail the contents of the graffiti, but a news report from WMTV showed messages including “UW blood on your hands”.
This is not the first instance of pro-Palestine graffiti. Last fall, UW-Madison saw a comparable vandalism event on Sept. 4, when someone painted pro-Palestine messages on Library Mall.
University personnel from Facilities Planning & Management removed the graffiti and restored all damaged surfaces.
Officials condemned the act as criminal damage, calling it “unacceptable” and saying it will not be tolerated. UW-Madison said it will pursue all appropriate legal and disciplinary actions. Those found responsible could face felony charges under state law, as well as university discipline.
Alaina Walsh is the associate news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She has covered breaking news on city crimes and a variety of state and campus stories, including the 2024 presidential election and the UW-Madison budget.
