The San Marcos Veterans Memorial Mural has been vandalized with explicit language regarding the United States. The mural was painted in 2016 by Ryan Runcie, and was commissioned by the City of San Marcos to honor local and national veterans.
The mural has been spray painted with the words “F--k the USA” and “Rest in power Willem Van Spronsen.” According to the Washington Post, Spronsen was killed by police in July after attempting to throw “incendiary objects”and attack an ICE detention facility in Tacoma, Washington. He was an anarchist and formerly a member of the “anti-fascist” organization Puget Sound John Brown Gun Club.
According to Trey Hatt, a coordinator for the City of San Marcos, the graffiti was discovered by graffiti techs on July 16. Hatt then contacted the police on July 17.
The City of San Marcos is currently waiting on a quote for the repair of the mural from Runcie, who is local to Austin. If the quote is over $2,500, City insurance will cover repairs, and if the price is below the $2,500, Runcie will be paid by the City’s mural funds. Hatt said he hopes the quote will be available within the next week.
