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Monumental Insecurity

By Associated Press

A government report on the U.S. Park Police says national icons such as the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty are more vulnerable to an attack than they were before 9/11 because of inadequate security. Monumental Insecurity

Published: Tue, February 05, 2008 - 10:02 am

WASHINGTON (AP) - A government report on the U.S. Park Police
says national icons such as the Washington Monument and the Statue
of Liberty are vulnerable due to inadequate security.
The Interior Department's inspector general gave as an example
two protesters dressed as superheroes climbing onto the statue's
lap at the Lincoln Memorial. The report says Park Police were
absent from their post and private guards did nothing to stop them.
Investigators also found that a grate blocking access to stairs
under the Washington Monument was left open and unattended for
about 20 minutes. The report also includes a photograph of an
officer who appears to be sleeping in a patrol vehicle at the
Jefferson Memorial.
It notes staffing levels are lower now than 6 years ago even
with increased post-9/11 responsibilities.
A spokesman for the National Park Service says the report should
be taken seriously even though some of the claims may not be true.
The Interior Department has 90 days to make a written response.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)