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A young man was arrested late Sunday after being caught “fornicating” with a statue at the National War Memorial.

Ottawa police said Monday the 22-year-old had climbed the Sparks Street monument at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday and, according to passersby, “began fornicating the statue.” Witnesses noticed that he was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “I Need a Drink.”

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The man was arrested at the scene after bystanders called police. He was held in custody overnight on a mischief charge and released after a brief court appearance Monday. Police said they will continue to investigate the matter, and more charges are possible.

It is disheartening that some people cannot respect the sacredness of the National War Memorial in our nation’s capital

The monument honours the country’s war dead and holds the remains of the Unknown Soldier, returned to Canada from France in 2000.

One passerby, Michael Smith, described the young man’s behaviour as “extremely offensive given what the memorial stands for.”

Minister of Veterans Affairs Erin O’Toole released a statement Monday night.