The monument honoring ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ author Francis Scott Key, was found vandalized Wednesday with pink and black paint and the words ‘Racist Anthem.’
The monument’s defacement comes on the 203rd anniversary of the day America’s national anthem was written, and the anniversary of Key’s inspiration for its verses.
Key, who owned slaves, was inspired to write his verses by the Battle of Fort McHenry on Sept. 13-14, 1814 during the War of 1812.
Video from WJZ
Paint covers part of the statue to Francis Scott Key, the writer of the Star Spangled Banner, after it was defaced overnight in downtown Baltimore, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.
The words ‘Racist Anthem’ were found painted on a monument, on the anniversary of the battle that inspired him to write the ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Police are investigating, but have no suspects. (Colin Campbell/The Baltimore Sun via AP)
The Baltimore Sun reported Wednesday the words were written at the base of the monument in the city’s downtown which was shown in a photograph.
Police said they plan to prosecute whoever did it. However, authorities have no surveillance footage to show evidence of who may be responsible.
‘Ultimately, it’s going to come down to them being caught and charged,’ police spokesman T.J. Smith told the Baltimore Sun.
American lawyer Francis Scott Key (1779 – 1843), circa 1810. Key is best known for writing the words to the national anthem of the United States of America
The seldom-sung third verse says: ‘No refuge could save the hireling and slave from the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave.’
Many believe it refers to slaves who fought for the British.
‘We understand the freedom of expression, but there certainly has to be a more constructive and productive way to have a conversation about history,’ Pugh spokesman, Anthony McCarthy said.
Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh also informed that the city does have plans to remove the monument.
Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com
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