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9/11 Memorial Vandalized In New Brunswick

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - The United States is a free country where you are free to believe whatever conspiracy theory you want.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams On The Story

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But when you express it by spray painting it on a memorial, you've committed vandalism, which is cruel, malicious, and criminal.

That's what police said happened at the 9/11 memorial in New Brunswick, where the word "hoax" was found in spray paint on the base of the monument by a parks employee on Monday.

Residents were aghast, reported WCBS 880's Sean Adams.

"Stupid," one told Adams.

"It's horrible. People go there to see the names so that they can remember the people that died," another told Adams. "It's horrible."

"Who do you think could have done something like this?" Adams asked a third person.

"I guess an idiot," the man answered.

The pedestal features two sculpted hands lifting a twisted and scorched I-beam joint connector from the World Trade Center.

It sits right across the street from the police station.

The graffiti has been washed away, but hurt feelings linger.

Police are continuing their investigation.

If you know anything about the crime, please call the New Brunswick police at 732-745-5226.

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