Police arrested a man in connection with felony vandalism at Los Angeles City Hall after investigators say he broke into the building on New Year’s Day and caused extensive damage to both the interior and exterior of the facility.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers from the department’s Security Services Division responded to reports of vandalism at City Hall around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Police say the suspect gained entry through the 1st Street entrance by breaking a locked glass door, then made his way to the third floor, where multiple areas — including hallways and the rotunda — were vandalized. Investigators said the suspect later exited the building and was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was identified as Jose Gonzalez Chavez, who was booked for felony vandalism, police said. Detectives with LAPD’s Central Division will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
FILE – A few people use Grand Park at the foot of Los Angeles City Hall, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
In a statement released Saturday, Karen Bass said the vandalism caused damage to windows, a glass display case, computer equipment and the Katowicz menorah, which was on display in the third-floor rotunda of City Hall.
Bass said there is no indication the damage to the menorah was a hate crime, but described the incident as deeply disturbing due to the menorah’s historic significance. She said she personally contacted the Cunin family, who loan the menorah to the city each year.
The mayor also said the suspect is being evaluated for mental health concerns and that a full review of security measures at Los Angeles City Hall is already underway.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact LAPD Central Division detectives at 213-833-3750. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online.
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