Days before Memorial Day, Framingham police probe vandalism at Veterans Memorial Park
FRAMINGHAM — Just days before Memorial Day, police are investigating an incident in which someone vandalized the Veterans Memorial Park on Concord Street.
Robert Downing, incoming president of the city's Veterans Council and one of those who led the charge to renovate the park in 2021, said an unknown person sprayed black paint on the walkway of the park for approximately 25 yards sometime between 2-6 p.m. Tuesday.
"They sprayed 'GDK,' with an upside-down devil's fork," said Downing, who recently retired as a Framingham police lieutenant. "It looks like the can malfunctioned, there were drips of paint everywhere. Unfortunately, it went for quite a distance. Thankfully, they didn't get to the statue."
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"GDK" likely refers to the Chicago street gang, Gangster Disciple Killers, Downing said. He said neither he nor police believe the incident is gang-related, but the gang is referenced frequently in hip-hop music.
Downing said he received several calls on Tuesday from angry people who came across the paint. He called it "brazen" that someone would vandalize the park during the middle of the day.
"And right before Memorial Day, too," Downing said.
The Framingham Recreation Department was able to remove most of the paint, Downing said. He said about 90% of it is gone.
Police found a spray can at the scene. Area cameras are being viewed to determine whether they caught anything connected to the incident, Downing said.
"What we're hoping is that someone come forward and admit to it," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Framingham police Sgt. Jay Ball at 508-872-1212.
Framingham's Memorial Day activities take place at 11 a.m. Monday at Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Vandals target Framingham veterans park days before Memorial Day
