Vandals target MLK statue in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. (CNS) - Long Beach police are investigating the vandalism of a statue of Martin Luther King Jr., officials said Monday.

The crime occurred Friday afternoon at Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 1950 Lemon Ave., the Long Beach Post reported.

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"Over the holiday weekend our MLK statue at King Park was vandalized with horrific graffiti. The LBPD are investigating this as a hate crime and we are working to catch whoever committed this awful act," Mayor Robert Garcia tweeted Monday.

The Post said symbols resembling a swastika and Nazi SS bolts were removed by the city's parks and recreation department.