ANNEX: Firefighter Memorial defaced
Sections of the memorial, which commemorates Ontario firefighters who fell in the line of duty, were spray-painted with political statements such as "Liberal lackeys" and "Dalton gang" while another section was splashed with black paint.
Bob Mahlberg, detachment commander of the Queen's Park OPP said investigators are currently putting together whatever leads they can find, adding that it appears the vandalism was carried out by a lone male suspect just before 9 p.m. on Monday, May 12.
Given the nature of the graffiti, however, the attack is likely politically motivated.
"Somebody's obviously upset about something," he said. "There's political rhetoric on the panels."
The memorial's defacement drew criticism from Toronto Fire Chief William Stewart, who said in a statement that the vandalism was "a despicable act and a disgrace to the memory of firefighters across Ontario that have paid the supreme sacrifice in protecting the citizens of our province."
Community safety and correctional services minister Rick Bartolucci echoed those statements.
"Only the most degenerate could seek to destroy (the memorial) in such a callous manner," he said.
The OPP is looking for information that could help them apprehend the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 416-327-2367 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
