Hateful Graffiti on Declaration of Independence Replica in NY

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

A large Declaration of Independence replica at a Fourth of July event in Carmel, New York, was vandalized with politically charged graffiti. Authorities are investigating the incident, which disrupted the community’s 250th anniversary celebration and was widely condemned by local officials.

A large replica of the Declaration of Independence displayed during a Fourth of July celebration in Carmel, New York, was defaced with graffiti containing political messages, authorities said. The vandalism occurred as the community marked the nation’s 250th anniversary, with the oversized document intended to be signed by attendees in commemoration of the milestone.

Putnam County officials reported that unidentified individuals spray-painted slogans such as "free Palestine," "abolish ICE," and "500 years of genocide" across the replica. The incident prompted a local police investigation, with authorities condemning the act as disrespectful to the intended spirit of the event.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne characterized the vandalism as a serious affront to the community’s celebration. Law enforcement agencies are actively seeking information to identify those responsible. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine how and when the graffiti was applied during the Independence Day festivities.

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