Statue Dedicated To Donald Trump Set Ablaze On Staten Island Lawn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An investigation was underway on Staten Island Sunday, after someone tried to burn down a 12-ft high statue dedicated to Donald Trump.
The 'T' for Trump has been on the Staten Island lawn since May. Homeowner Sam Pirozzolo had it custom made to show his support, but just after 1 a.m. Sunday morning, while the family was sleeping their T was up in flames.
"I jump out of bed, I come down here, and I come downstairs, and I can see this big orange glow," Pirozzolo said.
The fire marshal was investigating damage, Sunday evening and had not yet determined the cause. Ground lights typically shine on the sign, but Pirozzolo said last night they were out. He believes someone was attacking his politics.
"You ignored my rights, you trampled my civil right, you're trampling my property, and you're setting fire to my personal property," he said.
Neighbors told CBS2's Ali Bauman they're surprised because many in the area are Trump supporters.
During an interview with Pirozzolo many drove by and made their support known.
"Go Trump," one driver shouted.
Pirozzolo worried someone in the neighborhood could be putting families at risk for their first amendment rights.
His lawyer stopped by to look at the damage.
"A lot of civil harm has been done to him, and if we can find out who the perpetrators involved, we could bring a civil case against them," Richard Luthman said.
Neighbors said there's no evidence of whether a prankster or Clinton supporter is responsible for setting the fire.
Pirozzolo said this would not silence his political voice, he plans to work with the artists and build an even bigger sign this week.
