(CNN) — Just a week before Election Day, two political statues mysteriously appeared in Washington, D.C., drawing crowds of onlookers.
Last week, an unidentified artist installed a bronze replica of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk along the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, complete with a basketball-sized emoji of poop.
“This monument honors the brave men and women who invaded the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and looted, urinated, and defecated in its hallowed halls in an effort to overturn the election,” reads the statement below the statue. is written on the nameplate. “President Trump has praised the heroes of January 6th as “incredible patriots” and “warriors.” This monument stands as a testament to their daring sacrifice and lasting legacy. ”
Pelosi’s desk was at the center of the most iconic photo of the January 6 riot. A Donald Trump supporter who stormed the Capitol was infamously photographed with his feet on a desk.
People look at a bronze art installation depicting a pile of feces on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol on October 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. October 24, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP/via Getty Images CNN News Source)
On Monday, a tiki-torch statue appeared in Freedom Plaza, just a few blocks from the White House.
The statue, dubbed the “Donald J. Trump Enduring Flame,” appears to mock the former president’s defense of marchers at a 2017 white supremacist rally in which a woman was killed.
A plaque below it reads: “This monument honors President Donald Trump and the ‘very fine people’ he bravely stood up and defended as he marched in Charlottesville, Virginia. ” is written. “While many are calling them white supremacists and neo-Nazis, President Trump’s voice resonates above the rest, reminding everyone that they have been ‘completely wronged.’ ” This monument stands as a permanent reminder of that bold declaration. ”
The artist behind the statue remains unknown, but a largely redacted permit approved by the National Park Service indicates that Civic Crafted LLC and Julia Jimenez-Pyzik were seeking permission to display the statue. has been done. CNN has reached out to Civic Crafted LLC and Jimenez-Pyzik for comment.
Groups of tourists and passersby gather in front of the statue, reading the artist’s tongue-in-cheek message and taking photos of the work.
“I think it’s very thought-provoking,” Maryland resident Grace Denman said of the statues. “It reminded me of how angry I was about January 6th and the deaths in Charlottesville caused by white supremacists. Now, with a really controversial and possibly dangerous election coming up, , gave me some reminder of the energy and anger that had faded over time.”
A tiki torch statue called the “Donald J. Trump Enduring Flame” at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. (Rebecca Wright/CNN, via CNN News Source)
However, it seems that not everyone loves this statue.
“I heard a lot of people who aren’t from here and who probably aren’t that involved in politics, and some thought it was inappropriate,” said Paige Muller, a Washington, D.C., resident. .
But Muller believes the art is “a great reminder of what’s at stake,” adding, “To prevent January 6 from happening again, we must We must fulfill our role.”
Since the statue suddenly appeared, Pelosi’s nameplate has disappeared from her desk.
The statue is titled “The Resolute Desk” and represents the center of democracy, according to the permit. “When a mob storms in to destroy these ideals, this desk will stand firm, and so must the principles of equality, justice, and freedom it represents.” is stated.
National Park Service spokesperson Mike Litterst told CNN that the permits issued by the agency are “designed to ensure public safety, protect park resources, and maintain the atmosphere of commemoration as appropriate.” “The specific conditions under which the event will be held are specified.”
“The National Park Service does not believe the content of the message should be presented,” he said.
The statue will not be completed in time for Election Day. The desks are scheduled to be removed Wednesday and the torches the next day.
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