LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass issued the following statement after receiving reports of vandalism at City Hall on New Year’s Day.
“I was informed yesterday that an individual broke into City Hall on the evening of New Year’s Day and damaged a number of items on the second and third floors of City Hall, including windows, a glass display case, computer equipment and the Katowicz menorah which was displayed in the third floor rotunda. While there is no indication that the vandalism to the menorah was a hate crime, I was deeply disturbed that this historic menorah was damaged. I personally called the Cunin family, who each year generously loan the menorah to City Hall and the people of Los Angeles, to inform them of the incident. The individual suspected of the vandalism was arrested by LAPD and is being evaluated for mental health concerns. A full evaluation of security at City Hall is already underway.”