Triangle, Va. –– Bullet holes still remain at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where someone last week fired several shots into the exterior of the building.
Visitors have asked why someone would take aim at the museum, which has become a polarizing symbol of the U.S. Marine Corps.
“We tell [visitors] what happened, and by in large, it’s been ‘what a shame, this is such a beautiful place,’” said museum spokeswoman Gwen Adams.
Bullets shattered some of the glass at the museum on Oct. 17, causing more than $20,000 damage.
Two days later, six to seven slugs were found embedded in windows at the Pentagon after someone began shooting at the building about 5 a.m., forcing an early morning lock down of the military facility.
The FBI on Tuesday said the two shootings are linked by the same gun, and said now they are looking into a third shooting that took place at a Marine Corps recruiting station in Chantilly during the overnight hours Tuesday.
No one has been injured in any of the shootings, and officials have declined to say what type of ammunition or gun was used.
The staff at the Marine Corps museum is directing all questions about the investigation to the FBI, as they focus their attention on repairing the damage done at their facility.
“What we care about is our museum, and the fact that we are still open to the public and it has not impacted our visitor experience in any way shape or form, all of our artifacts are still there and we are standing strong,” said Adams.
Museum officials are awaiting an estimate on how much it will cost to replace the glass, which has to be specially made.
They have taken special precautions to protect artifacts during the time the windows are being repaired.
