Arson Investigation Opened After Statue Destroyed
Authorities launched a probe following the destruction of a 3D-printed Benjamin Harrison statue in Indianapolis.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Remote Work
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A fire destroyed a 5-foot-6-inch statue of Benjamin Harrison at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department opened an arson investigation into the incident on September 27, 2026.
Why it matters
The loss of the art installation marks a setback for the local pedestrian corridor, which saw $6.8 million in improvements completed in 2023. The organization behind the statue is now seeking to raise $15,000 to fund a replacement for the community.
The destroyed statue required 1,200 hours of 3D printing to create. The presidential site has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 to cover the costs of replacing the 5-foot-6-inch figure.
The players
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
This agency serves as the primary law enforcement body for the city and is currently leading the arson investigation.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
This institution is a historical site and museum located in the Old Northside neighborhood of Indianapolis.
Herron School of Art and Design
This academic institution collaborated on the creation of the statue using specialized 3D printing technology.
The details
The statue, a collaboration between the presidential site and the Herron School of Art and Design, was positioned along a pedestrian corridor connecting Delaware and Pennsylvania streets. Police were notified of the blaze at the site early in the morning on September 27.
Timeline
2023: Corridor upgrades totaling $6.8 million were completed.
September 16, 2026: The statue made its public debut.
September 27, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: The fire was reported at the site.
September 27, 2026: Police opened an arson investigation.
Market Landscape
The destruction of the statue impacts the $6.8 million investment in the 2023 Old Northside corridor improvement project. This loss hinders the ongoing efforts to revitalize the local pedestrian corridor as a cultural and communal asset.
Residents and visitors may face temporary access restrictions in the pedestrian corridor while the investigation continues. The loss of this public art piece directly impacts the community space that was recently enhanced for public enjoyment.
The takeaway
The community is rallying to restore this piece of local art after the unexpected arson incident. Residents can support the restoration through the official fundraising efforts established by the site.
Further reading
For more on developments in the local business landscape, visit Remote Work.
More information
To contribute to the recovery efforts, visit the statue replacement donation portal.
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