A life-sized bronze soldier statue valued at approximately $100,000 was stolen from the Armed Forces Memorial Plaza in Paramount, California, according to officials. The theft occurred Tuesday, Aug. 18, despite the memorial site being under 24-hour surveillance.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows at least one individual in a dark vehicle using tools to detach the heavy statue from its base. The suspects reportedly cut the figure loose and removed it in under four minutes before fleeing the scene. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident but has not released video of the suspects.
The stolen statue depicted a kneeling soldier at a battle cross and was erected by the city of Paramount in 2024 to honor military service members. It was located near American Legion Post 134.
This is not the first time the memorial has been targeted. Last year, prior to Memorial Day, thieves sawed off the rifle that was part of the statue, causing significant damage. City officials at the time described the earlier theft as “a disgrace.”
Veterans and military families expressed anger and dismay over the theft. Vietnam veteran Frank Walker told CBS, “I’d kill them if I could. He needs to be drafted. He wouldn’t last very long,” referring to the perpetrators. Manuel Covarrubias, a member of American Legion Post 134, stated, “We really need to support these vets, and it’s a kick in the stomach for somebody to steal a monument like that.”
Authorities estimate the total loss, including the rifle stolen last year, to be around $100,000.