A controversial statue honoring Confederate veterans has been vandalized at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The statue nicknamed “Silent Sam” has been defaced with graffiti saying "murderer" and "black lives matter."
Authorities say they are investigating the vandalism, which was discovered Sunday morning. No arrests have been made.
University spokesman Rick White says the school will continue to discuss whether statues and the names of buildings on campus respect people of all races. White says damaging statues is not the way to have that discussion.
"Silent Sam" was placed on campus in 1913 to honor 321 UNC students who died fighting for the South in the Civil War. He's called "silent" because he carries a gun but no bullets.
The statue has been the focal point for several campus demonstrations over race relations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad