World War II memorial vandalized in apparent pipeline protest

(National Park Service)

Someone who was against the Dakota Access Pipeline apparently vandalized the World War II memorial in Washington, the National Park Service said Tuesday.

Spokesman Mike Litterst said someone spray-painted the North Dakota section of the memorial. A photo provided by the park service showed the phrase “#NoDAPL” was written in paint.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe has been fighting along with other tribes and environmental groups to stop the completion of the $3.8 billion pipeline, saying it would threaten the water supply for millions of people. Supporters say the pipeline is a safer way to move oil than trucks and trains.

U.S. Park Police are investigating the vandalism. Litterst said a paint stripper has been used to remove much of the damage.

President Obama said last week that the federal government was looking for ways to “reroute” parts of the pipeline. The president weighed in following high-profile clashes last week between protesters and law enforcement.

Obama said government agencies will let the situation “play out for several more weeks and determine whether or not this can be resolved in a way that I think is properly attentive to the traditions of the First Americans.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.