Trump's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame smashed with a pickaxe, again

Jayme Deerwester | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Donald Trump's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame smashed to bits Trump’s star on Hollywood Walk of Fame vandalized again.

President Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been destroyed, again.

It seems the pickaxe is the tool of choice for vandals in a hurry as that tool, used in a similar incident in October 2016, was left behind at the scene.

That's according to LAPD officer Ray Brown, who told USA TODAY that their Hollywood station received a vandalism call at 3:30 a.m. PDT on Wednesday. When officers reported to the Walk of Fame, they confirmed it was Trump's star that was damaged.

Fellow public information officer Norma Eisenman later said that Austin Clay, a 24-year-old white male, had been booked on felony vandalism charges. His bail, set at $20,000, had not been posted as of publication time.

“The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an institution celebrating the positive contributions of the inductees,” said Leron Gubler, President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in a statement to USA TODAY, reiterating what he said in 2016. "When people are unhappy with one of our honorees, we would hope that they would project their anger in more positive ways than to vandalize a California State landmark. Our democracy is based on respect for the law. People can make a difference by voting and not destroying public property."

Gubler added his group intends to prosecute the vandal to the full extent of the law, as they would for any Walk of Fame star recipient. He also noted that Trump's star would be replaced immediately but would need to be covered for several days until the marble can be polished.

When the star, unveiled in 2007, was destroyed the first time, repair expenses were estimated at $2,500.

You can view photos of the star after the 2016 incident below.