Overview

• A U.S. couple was recorded using a marker to deface the UNESCO-recognized Peña de Bernal monolith before site workers intervened
• Municipal security crews promptly removed the graffiti onsite and confirmed the tourists’ identities on July 8
• Damaging public monuments under Article 397 of Mexico’s Federal Code can incur five to ten years in prison and fines of 100 to 5,000 pesos
• Despite the cleanup, no formal criminal proceedings or official statements have been announced
• Social media users and heritage advocates are pressing for exemplary legal action and better visitor warnings to curb future vandalism