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US lawmakers urge justice agency to fully investigate Tiananmen display break-in

The heads of a US Congressional committee and a commission focused on China have called on the Justice Department to fully investigate a break-in and…

By Samantha Johnson / July 10, 2026
The heads of a US Congressional committee and a commission focused on China have called on the Justice Department to fully investigate a break-in and reported vandalism at a California museum commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

“The Justice Department and FBI should investigate vandalism at the [June 4th Memorial Museum] to protect the inalienable rights of the Chinese diaspora seeking freedom in the United States,” said a three-page letter delivered to the agency on Thursday.

The note was signed by John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan and chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Christopher Smith, a Republican from New Jersey and co-chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

According to a statement on the museum website, unknown individuals broke into the hall in El Monte, California on May 31, a few days before the anniversary, and spray-painted walls and exhibits, damaged property and interfered with the museum’s surveillance system, “causing serious damage to the museum’s assets”.

“The museum strongly condemns the perpetrators and those instigating the incident and will definitely pursue relevant legal responsibilities,” it said, referring questions to the El Monte police.

“We hope the public can rest assured that although this incident clearly contained elements of intimidation and threats, we will not succumb to pressure.”

Michigan Republican John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select committee on China. Photo: AFP
Michigan Republican John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select committee on China. Photo: AFP

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