Christie Beach Chair Sculpture Vandalized

Statue Removed for Repairs After Head Severed

1 Million Visitors in Past Month

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A sculpture of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in his now-famous beach chair pose has been vandalized, with the head severed from the body. The sculpture, located on the beach in Point Pleasant Beach, was created by artist Seward Johnson and installed in 2013. It has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing more than 1 million visitors in the past month.

The vandalism was discovered on Monday morning by a passerby who called police. The statue was removed from the beach and taken to a secure location for repairs. The cost of the repairs is not yet known.

Christie, a Republican, served as governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. He is known for his outspoken personality and his love of the beach. The beach chair sculpture was created to commemorate Christie's time in office and his dedication to the state.

The vandalism has been condemned by Christie and other New Jersey officials. Christie called the vandalism "a senseless act of destruction" and said it was "an attack on our state and our history." Governor Phil Murphy said the vandalism was "a cowardly act" and that "those responsible will be held accountable."

Police are investigating the vandalism and are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department.

1

1