SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) – The Illinois Secretary of State’s office expects to reinstall the statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. to the Capitol grounds this summer following a successful restoration after it was vandalized two years ago.

A 24-year-old man was arrested for vandalizing and knocking over the statue in 2022.

The statue of the slain civil rights leader is expected to return to Springfield’s “Freedom Corner” at the intersection of 2nd Street and Capitol Avenue next month. Crews recently poured the concrete that will secure the base of the sculpture. After the concrete cures and settles, the sculpture will be replaced.

State officials are continuing discussions regarding a new MLK statue on the Capitol grounds. Last January, Illinois lawmakers approved legislation calling for a new MLK sculpture at a new location that has yet to be determined.