SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Police have arrested a man they say vandalized a Massachusetts city’s memorial to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

A spokesman for Springfield police say 59-year-old James Carroll was arrested on Wednesday, the 18th anniversary of the attacks, although the vandalism occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 4.

Police spokesman Ryan Walsh says someone scratched the words “liars,” ”murder 911 scam” and “911 scam” on the back panel of the monument that features a 9 ½- foot iron beam from the World Trade Center towers.

The $300,000 memorial was dedicated in June.

Police identified Carroll as a suspect through surveillance video.


The Springfield resident is charged with defacement of real or personal property. It’s not clear if he has a lawyer.