Thank You America Statue Update
- Support full prosecution and accountability
- Oppose misinformation and political rhetoric
- Prioritize thorough police investigation
- Advocate for monument restoration funding
- Thank You America Monument theft and vandalism
- Structural evaluation and removal of American soldier statue
- Restoration and recasting of Vietnamese soldier statue
- Coordination with District Attorney’s Office
- Ongoing SJPD investigation
- Requested on-site meeting with Santa Clara County District Attorney
http://SJDistrict7.org
** Thank You America Statue Update
Thank You America Monument: What We Know
Since the theft and vandalism of the Thank You America Monument, misinformation and speculation have circulated throughout the community. I understand why emotions are high. This monument represents sacrifice, freedom, gratitude, and the history of Vietnamese refugees in America.
It is important that we separate confirmed facts from rumors and allow the San José Police Department to complete its investigation.
The Vietnamese Soldier Was Stolen
During the early morning hours of June 21, 2026, at least two suspects entered the Vietnamese Heritage Garden and forcibly stole the South Vietnamese soldier statue.
The statue was ripped from its base, dragged approximately one mile, and recovered later that day by SJPD. The suspects have not yet been identified, and the investigation remains active.
No Evidence Has Established a Hate Crime
As of this writing, SJPD has found no evidence establishing that the theft and vandalism were motivated by hate.
I understand why this crime feels like an attack on our community because of what the monument represents. However, criminal charges must be based on evidence. SJPD is pursuing every lead, and if evidence of a hate crime emerges, the department will involve the appropriate agencies and seek all applicable charges and resources.
The Councilmember Did Not Order Either Statue Removed
The Vietnamese soldier was not taken down by me or by City staff. It was forcibly stolen.
A Councilmember does not have unilateral authority to order public artwork removed. This is America, not Vietnam. San José operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Manager serves as the City’s chief executive and oversees City departments, while the City Council acts as the governing board.
The American soldier was removed by the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs under the authority of the City Manager. City professionals determined that the force used to steal the adjoining figure may have compromised its structural integrity. Its base had shifted, the statue moved in the wind, and the damaged bottom left its mounting hardware exposed and accessible.
Leaving it in place would have created a potential safety hazard and a high risk of another theft. Both figures were therefore placed in secure storage for evaluation.
Working Cameras Captured the Crime
There were several operating cameras at the Vietnamese Heritage Garden. Those cameras captured surveillance footage of the suspects and the vehicle used during the theft.
SJPD released footage and photographs to help identify those responsible.
LINK TO SJPD VIDEO (https://youtube.com/shorts/3v6SlML5qUM?si=oWrorU7LAtKjGdVN)
SJPD Is Leading the Investigation
SJPD has our full confidence to conduct this investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
At this time, there is no evidence establishing that the crime was motivated by hate or that the crime violated federal law; therefore, the involvement of the FBI is not required at this time. We must allow investigators to follow the facts rather than speculation.
Should the evidence support additional charges or assistance from another agency, SJPD will activate the appropriate resources and coordinate with its law enforcement partners.
The District Attorney Has Been Contacted
I contacted the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and requested an on-site meeting with the District Attorney.
I want the office responsible for prosecuting this case to understand the monument’s importance, the magnitude of the destruction, and the pain inflicted on our community. When the suspects are apprehended, I will advocate for full prosecution and accountability under the law.
There Is No Evidence City Employees Were Involved
There is no evidence that City employees participated in the theft or vandalism. Claims that City staff were involved are unsupported political rhetoric and scare tactics intended to spread distrust and disrupt our community. The available evidence shows that outside suspects unlawfully entered the garden and forcibly removed the statue. The motivation and suspects remain unknown and unidentified. At this time there is no evidence to suggest that a city employee was involved, based on the evidence SJPD has.
The Councilmember’s Office Helped Complete the Monument
Claims that the current Councilmember had no role in the monument are false.
My office coordinated with City departments and secured funding for the final site preparation, construction of the monument base, new trees, a concrete gathering space, other site improvements, and installation of the monument.
Additional improvements were also planned, including marble around the monument base and a permanent marble sign to replace the vinyl sign at the Vietnamese Heritage Garden entrance. Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services has not yet completed those items, but they remain in progress.
Restoration and Cost
The Vietnamese soldier was damaged beyond repair and will need to be recreated and recast. The American soldier also requires further structural evaluation.
The City’s current preliminary estimate is $940,000, but that figure does not include major security upgrades, site improvements, or possible additional work on the American soldier. The final cost may be higher.
Councilmember Doan is establishing a donation fund to help pay for the repairs, recasting, and installation of the restored monument. Details on how the public can contribute will be released shortly.
The Investigation Continues
The suspects have not yet been identified. SJPD is asking anyone who recognizes them, witnessed the incident, or possesses relevant surveillance footage to contact investigators.
We will continue sharing verified information as it becomes available. Rumors will not restore the monument or bring the perpetrators to justice. Evidence, cooperation, and a thorough investigation will.
** About Councilmember Doan
I am proud to serve as your representative, following my journey from immigrating to the U.S. with my family in 1975. The generosity of our community inspired me to dedicate my life to public service. For 27 years, I’ve worked as a firefighter, including 21 years with the San Jose Fire Department, where I became the first Vietnamese Fire Captain. As a lifelong member of our community, I’m committed to ensuring our District is safer, cleaner, and stronger for everyone. https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/mayor-and-city-council/district-7/bien-doan-biography
Best Regards, Bien Doan
Councilmember Bien Doan
https://facebook.com/biendoansj/ https://instagram.com/biendoansj/ https://twitter.com/biendoansj/ mailto:DISTRICT7@SANJOSECA.GOV https://SJDistrict7.org https://sjdistrict7.org
Copyright (C) 2026 Office of Councilmember Bien Doan, San Jose, CA District 7. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are either a resident of District 7 or you signed up for the City of San Jose's District 7 mailing list. Our mailing address is: Office of Councilmember Bien Doan, San Jose, CA District 7 200 E Santa Clara St Tower - 18th Floor District 7 San Jose, CA 95113-1903 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences (https://sjdistrict7.us7.list-manage.com/profile?u=56951e13f2154580c424dd48e&id=9002655e90&e=5557d6c2bd&c=e7b8542971) or unsubscribe (https://sjdistrict7.us7.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=56951e13f2154580c424dd48e&id=9002655e90&t=b&e=5557d6c2bd&c=e7b8542971)