A memorial tree dedicated to Ferguson police shooting victim Michael Brown was cut down shortly after it was planted at a park in the St. Louis suburb, officials said.
Police believe vandals damaged the memorial and stole a dedication plaque from its base late Saturday or early Sunday morning, according to the Missouri city's media relations department.
A second tree — dedicated to a local resident in memory of a deceased pet — was also damaged after being planted Saturday. City officials replaced both trees on Monday, NBC affiliate KSDK reported.
Brown’s memorial was donated by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association in Chicago. The 18-year-old died last August after he was shot multiple times by a Ferguson police officer. The incident touched off unrest in the city.
IN-DEPTH
- Two Black Candidates Elected to Ferguson City Council
- Ferguson Tears Down Buildings, to Rebuild Again
- Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson Resigns
