The monument has been vandalized repeatedly . In 2005 , " the flag insignia , bayonets , and a plaque with Robert E. Lee on it were stolen , but then restored " . Following the Charleston church shooting of 2015 , " Fuck White Supremacy " was painted on it . On July 5 , 2018 , " several parts of the 10-ton piece of granite were smashed , including a portion of the monument 's inscription , insignia , and relief of Robert E. Lee . " In 2015 , a petition was started to have it removed . In 2017 , in response to the Charlottesville , Virginia Unite the Right rally , and the increased pace of the removal of Confederate monuments and memorials in other parts of the country , Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said , " Seattle needs to join with cities and towns across the country who are sending a strong message by taking these archaic symbols down , " acknowledging that Lake View is private property outside the city 's control . Murray also called for the removal of the Statue of Lenin in Fremont , also on private property , prompting the Seattle City Council to consider debating a symbolic resolution asking for the removal of the two monuments
Charleston church shooting
Charleston church shooting
United Confederate Veterans Memorial