A Pennsylvania man was arrested this month for vandalizing two memorials at Gettysburg National Military Park
Inset: A man identified as Lucas Reisinger (National Park Service/Instagram). Background: Little Round Top in Gettysburg National Military Park (National Park Service).
A 36-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged with damaging two historic war memorials at Gettysburg National Military Park, federal authorities said.
Lucas J. Reisinger faces two federal counts related to the destruction or damage of veterans’ memorials. The charges were outlined in an indictment filed in federal court in Pennsylvania late last month.
Prosecutors say the incident happened on September 14, 2025. According to the indictment, Reisinger allegedly damaged a bronze plaque located on the observation deck of the 44th New York Infantry Monument. Authorities also claim he defaced a bronze bas-relief portrait of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke that is part of the monument honoring the 140th New York Infantry Regiment.
A federal judge approved a warrant for Reisinger’s arrest on February 18, the same day a grand jury returned the indictment. National Park Service rangers, working with officers from the Carlisle Police Department, arrested him on March 6.
Investigators say park rangers first learned about the damage after receiving a report that a man was carving his initials into a monument using a knife. The vandalism reportedly occurred at Little Round Top, the rocky hill that overlooks the southern portion of the Gettysburg battlefield.
During the investigation, officials determined that the initials “LJR” had been carved into both the plaque and the relief portrait of Colonel O’Rorke. Authorities say the damage was significant.
Federal law allows for penalties of up to ten years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 for each count involving the destruction of veterans’ memorials. The National Park Service is also seeking restitution estimated to exceed $11,000 to cover repairs to the monuments.
Park officials previously released a photograph of the suspect that had been taken by another visitor at the site. According to a National Park Service spokesperson, the person who captured the photo heard scraping sounds before spotting the individual causing the damage.
Following Reisinger’s arrest, the indictment was made public. Court records show that on Monday he was assigned a federal public defender and entered a plea of not guilty.
That same day, he appeared before Chief Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom and was released ahead of trial under specific conditions. As part of those terms, he cannot possess firearms, consume excessive alcohol, or use CBD products, and he must submit to drug testing. His travel is restricted to Pennsylvania’s Middle District, and he must follow a strict curfew.
The case is scheduled to go before a jury on May 4. U.S. District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, appointed during President Donald Trump’s first term, will preside over the trial.
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