Press Release: Controversial Tiki Torch Statue Erected in Washington, D.C.
Freedom Plaza, Washington, D.C. – A new statue resembling a tiki torch has been unveiled in Freedom Plaza, evoking memories of the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Installed by the same group behind a recent bronze poop statue honoring the January 6 Capitol rioters, the tiki torch tribute has drawn sharp criticism.
The accompanying plaque claims the statue honors President Donald Trump and the "very fine people" he defended during the Charlottesville protests, where white nationalists, armed with torches and racist slogans, gathered to oppose the removal of a Confederate statue. The rally, which escalated into violence, culminated in the tragic death of Heather Heyer when a white supremacist deliberately drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters. The driver, James Alex Fields Jr., was sentenced to life for his crimes.
In the aftermath of the rally, President Trump faced backlash for his comments, stating there were "very fine people on both sides" and suggesting that many protesters were treated unfairly by the media.
The tiki torch statue joins another controversial installation, a bronze poop statue symbolizing the actions of January 6 rioters, which was placed on Capitol Hill. Both pieces of art were approved by the National Park Service and are slated to remain in their locations until October 31.
Critics have condemned the installations as glorifications of extremist actions, while supporters argue they serve as provocative commentary on contemporary political divisions. Civic Crafted LLC, responsible for the statues, has been vocal about their intention to spark discussion on freedom of expression and civic engagement.
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