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WWII Memorial Defaced
A woman was taken into custody and charged in connection with graffiti and soapy bubbles left at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., after the vandalism was discovered on Thursday.
“U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on social media they have Melissa Farris in custody on two felony charges.”
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on X that her office was filing two felony charges against Melissa L. Farris, including "Depredation Against Property of the United States" and "Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials."
The charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison, and the incident included "Clean hands dirty $" written in red paint and bubbles filling a fountain.
The Interior Department said in a statement that U.S. Park Police were on the scene and that the investigation was ongoing, while the memorial sits between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the National Mall.
Pirro, Trump, and Public Reaction
Pirro described the vandalism as "a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom," and she said Farris is now in custody.
President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, writing "Our beautiful World War II Memorial was just hit by Spray Painting Vandals" and adding "THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II."
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial said a national memorial honoring those who served "should never be used as a canvas for vandalism," and the Veterans of Foreign Wars called the act "an act of profound disrespect."
A Minnesota Army veteran visiting Washington, D.C., said she was "offended" by the vandalism after traveling to the World War II Memorial to pay respects to those who served before her.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors said Farris faces two felony counts in federal court, and the offenses include depredation against property of the United States and destruction of a Veterans’ Memorial.
“Melissa L. Farris is facing two felony charges in federal court, Pirro said on social media.”
NBC News reported that court documents show Farris is facing a count of willfully injuring or committing a depredation against property of the United States and a count of destruction of a Veterans’ Memorial.
The arrest came as the National Mall faced heightened scrutiny and security over recent renovations and restoration projects, with CBS News noting that in July four people, including former Olympian David Hearn, were charged by Pirro’s office in connection with damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In the World War II Memorial case, the Interior Department said the vandalism was "an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated," and the memorial had been cleaned up and was open to the public by Friday morning.
