Duke Univ. Officials Say Someone Painted Swastika on Mural for Synagogue Shooting Victims

Duke University president Vincent Price stated through a letter to the Duke community that the red swastika was painted on the tribute on Sunday night.

This is a picture of Duke University.
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Peyton Williams/Getty Images

This is a picture of Duke University.

According to officials at Duke University, some unknown culprit painted a swastika on a mural that was intended to honor victims of the October shooting that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, which left 11 people dead in addition to seven more that were injured.

University president Vincent Price stated through a letter to the Duke community that the red swastika was painted on the tribute on Sunday night. According to the AP, "The East Campus Bridge and tunnel underneath are spaces where students can paint messages ranging from campus event promotions to memorials." Price said that security cams will be placed around the bridge in an effort to combat acts like this in the future.

Price further added that increased security will continue to patrol at select locations throughout the campus, including the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. According to the school's student-run newspaper, The Chronicle, a Latin heritage mural was also defaced at the same bridge this past September.

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