9/11 mural vandalized in West Philadelphia; mother of man killed in attack speaks out

Vandals spray-painted the faces of a firefighter and a police officer on a 9/11 mural.

6abc Digital Staff Image
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
9/11 memorial vandalized in West Philadelphia
One of the things we remember most from 9/11 was the bravery of first responders.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One of the things we remember most from 9/11 was the bravery of first responders.

Honoring that heroism was the genesis for a mural in West Philadelphia.

But that intent has been disrespected.

Vandals spray-painted the faces of a firefighter and a police officer on a 9/11 mural at 56th and Thompson.

We talked to Elsie Goss-Caldwell, who helped commission the mural at her workplace.

She did it for a very personal reason: Her son died in the 9/11 attacks.

"We really have a good time remembering our lost loved ones from 9/11, so for someone to deface it really is unbelievable," Goss-Caldwell said.

She believes the vandalism happened over the weekend.

Anyone who has a tip about the vandals is asked to call police.