Temporary Statue Erected in D.C. to Satirically Honor January 6 Insurrectionists

 

A controversial temporary bronze installation resembling a pile of feces was unveiled this week in Washington, D.C., across from the U.S. Capitol. The statue, which appears to satirize the individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, is positioned on a desk bearing the name of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Installed on Thursday, the statue features a swirl that closely resembles the widely recognized “poop” emoji. A plaque beneath the sculpture claims to honor “the brave men and women who broke into the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, to loot, urinate, and defecate throughout those hallowed halls in order to overturn an election.” It goes on to reference former President Trump’s characterization of these individuals as “unbelievable patriots” and “warriors,” suggesting that the installation serves as a tribute to their actions.

The identity of the artist behind the installation remains unclear. However, reports from the Washington Post indicate that the National Park Service granted a permit to Julia Jimenez-Pyzik of Civic Crafted LLC for the statue to be displayed on the National Mall until October 30. The Park Service clarified that when issuing permits, it does not assess the content of the messages conveyed. The agency emphasized that the National Mall is a space for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly.

In the permit obtained by NBC News, Civic Crafted LLC described the desk as “representing the heart of democracy, where decisions are made and voices are heard.” The company stated, “When rioters broke in to destroy these ideals, this desk stands firm; so too must the principles of equality, justice, and freedom that it represents.” The statue is titled "The Resolute Desk."

Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some labeling the installation as “tasteless” and a “total embarrassment,” while others found it to be “awesome.” One user remarked, “Welcome to America, where a bronze poop statue honoring the people who tried to break our democracy currently stands on the National Mall.”

In addition to this installation, the permit indicates that another statue—a hand emerging from a stone base and holding a tiki torch—will be installed next week between the Capitol and the White House.