Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate sculpture — also known as “The Bean” — has been vandalized this week, and seven suspects have been taken into custody. According to authorities, around midnight last night the group spray-painted several areas of Maggie Daley Park and Millenium Park, including The Bean and Cancer Survivors’ Wall, benches, and other surfaces. They were spotted by an off-duty security guard, who then alerted authorities.
Photo: beboy/Shutterstock
The Iconic Chicago Bean Has Been Vandalized
The structure was finished in 2006 by British sculptor Anish Kapoor, who is known for his massive works of stone and reflective steel. One-hundred-sixty-eight stainless steel plates were used to create the sculpture, which stands 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, and 66 feet long.
Officers said that the suspects were known taggers who call themselves the “35th Street Crew” and usually mark their targets — including the Bean — by spray painting “35th,” the Roman numerals for three and five, and the word “crew” onto the surface.
According to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which is tasked with the cleanup, “Last night’s vandalism to Chicago’s iconic ‘Cloud Gate’ is reprehensible,” adding, “Crews are in the process of removing the graffiti.”
The suspects remain in custody, and charges for the incident are still pending. 
H/T: Chicago 5