A bronze statue depicting a kneeling U.S. soldier at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial was stolen from outside Paramount City Hall on or around August 19. The theft, which saw the life-size figure sawed from its base, is being investigated by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, which reportedly has surveillance footage of the incident. The estimated value of the stolen statue, along with a rifle that was taken from the memorial last year, is approximately $100,000.
The statue was unveiled in November 2024 and is described as a soldier kneeling before a battle cross—a helmet and rifle atop empty combat boots—to honor fallen comrades. This is not the first time the memorial has been targeted. In May 2025, parts of the statue were vandalized and stolen. Following that incident, the city of Paramount replaced the missing components, reinforced the structure, and installed additional security cameras and features.
Despite these measures, the statue was removed in minutes, leading officials to believe the perpetrators acted with the expectation of escaping unnoticed. It is suspected that the theft was motivated by the scrap metal value of the bronze, estimated at $100,000 on the black market.
Paramount City officials have called for a severe response to the crime, urging thorough investigation and prosecution by the LA District Attorney. The incident has also prompted calls for condemnation from elected officials and civic leaders to deter further attacks on American memorials.
The notes accompanying the theft emphasize the disrespect shown to military sacrifices and advocate for unity in supporting troops, veterans, and the fallen, regardless of differing views on ongoing conflicts. The memorial is located in Paramount, California, a city that has seen many of its residents serve in national conflicts.