Lincoln Memorial closes after being vandalized

The Lincoln Memorial was vandalized overnight and is closed until it can be cleaned, U.S. Park Police have told various media in Washington.

The Park Police said green paint was splashed or sprayed near the feet and base of the famed statue and on one of the doric columns.  A visitor reported the vandalism about 1 or 1:30 this morning.   It was not clear how much paint was used.

Park Police closed the chamber of the memorial which contains the revered statue until the paint could be removed.  They are also checking surveillance video footage.

The paint did not appear to be used to convey any type of message. Capt. Steven Booker said the paint spill "appears intentional based off of the splatter."

Police say the memorial will be closed until the National Park Service maintenance crew can clean up the paint, which is expected to happen later Friday.

The memorial, one of the most popular sites on the National Mall, was dedicated in 1922 to the nation's 16th president.

The memorial is located on the west end of the National Mall in line with the Washington Monument and is one of the most visited sites in the capitol.   The statue of a sitting Lincoln is 19 feet high and the space is fronted by Doric columns.

The AP contributed to this report