Independence Hall Becomes Target of Vandals Spray Paint

PHILADELPHIA — Vandals painted graffiti on Independence Hall, the building where the country’s forefathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, federal officials said today.

Crews worked to remove the paint that was discovered by Independence National Historical Park Service security officers between 10 and 11 p.m. Thursday.

Kathleen Dilonardo, a park spokesperson, said it was the first time she could remember that someone had vandalized the exterior of the historic hall. Dilonardo said some of the paint already had been removed and that there would be no permanent damage.

The graffiti consisted of swirls, dollar signs and indistinguishable figures in black and white paint. Dilonardo said the symbols--1 1/2 feet to 2 feet high--were sprayed on the south brick wall of the main building, some columns surrounding the complex and two nearby trees.