A violent act of vandalism has left a historic Iwo Jima statue near Marine Corps Base Quantico severely damaged, with authorities arresting Miguel Alonso Maldonado Soriano, 27, for allegedly using a sledgehammer to decapitate one of the iconic figures. Police responded late Wednesday night to reports of the destruction and found Soriano actively striking the limestone monument, which commemorates the pivotal World War II flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. The attack resulted in the complete removal of one Marine’s head, along with significant damage to other figures and their equipment, including a bayonet. The estimated repair costs for the extensive damage are expected to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Soriano faces felony charges for destruction of property, trespassing, and injury to a monument, and is being held without bond as investigators work to determine a motive for the brazen assault on this revered piece of American military history.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
