A mural that commemorates a painful chapter in American history has been defaced for the second time this year in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, raising fresh concerns about targeted attacks and the safety of cultural landmarks in the neighborhood.
The mural, which depicts the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, was recently found covered in graffiti. The act of vandalism is believed to have occurred sometime over the weekend or early in the week, prompting community members to question the motivations behind the repeated defacements.
Michael Durnan, a longtime doorman at the historic Panama Hotel, said he tries to keep a watchful eye on the alley adjacent to the mural to deter vandalism, but he’s often not present when incidents occur. Reflecting on the mural’s significance, Durnan noted that the surrounding buildings hold deep connections to World War II, serving as silent witnesses to the period when Japanese families were forcibly relocated to internment camps. Many, he said, stored their belongings in the basement of the hotel before being taken away.
The mural itself serves as a visual reminder of that dark period, aiming to educate viewers and prevent history from being forgotten or repeated. Durnan called the latest act “tragic,” especially given what the neighborhood and mural represent.
This is not the first time the artwork has been targeted. Earlier in the year, around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the mural was similarly defaced with black paint. At the time, a local resident said the vandalism was unlike anything they had seen before, not just minor tagging, but a complete blackout of the image. Durnan recalled that during that earlier incident, someone attempted to overlay Bible verses on the wall, but the message made little sense and appeared completely disconnected from the mural’s historical context.
Building owner Jan Johnson confirmed that the most recent graffiti was removed relatively quickly, but the repeated targeting of the mural has left many unsettled. Durnan said the possibility that the attacks are racially motivated is what makes the situation especially painful.
As of now, no suspect has been identified in connection with either incident.
