PHOTOS: Buckingham Fountain closed due to vandalism

Eli Ong
·1 min read
89

CHICAGO — Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park has been closed until further notice due to vandalism to the fountain that happened Friday overnight.

The Chicago Park District said maintenance is underway at the fountain after a red dye was poured into the water.

Police have since launched an investigation.

The park surrounding the fountain remained open, but visitors looking to catch a glimpse of the iconic water display were met with disappointment.

“If someone is making a statement there are other ways to do it, not vandalize the nice things we have,” park visitor Elizabeth Avalos said.

  • Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
    Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
  • Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
    Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
  • Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
    Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
  • Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)
    Aerial photographs of Buckingham Fountain appear to show Pro-Palestinian protestors turned the fountain green and red (Courtesy: Colin Hinkle/Soaring Badger Productions)

While no one has come forward to claim the vandalism. It appears the act was a protest against the war in Gaza.

Drone video from above shows someone spray painted “Gaza is bleeding” and “Stop the genocide” on the ground surrounding the fountain. Workers have since removed the spray paint.

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According to police, detectives are investigating and no arrests have been made.

Officials from the park district said once they are able to start the fountain back up they will let the public know on their social media platforms.

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