US Attorney: Woman charged with two felonies for vandalizing WWII Memorial

Published Aug 14, 04:21 PM UTC

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On August 14, 2026, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that Melissa Farris was taken into custody and charged with two felony counts—depredation against property of the United States and destruction of veterans’ memorials—for vandalizing the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. The vandalism, which occurred on August 13, involved bubbly soap causing the fountain to overflow with suds, and graffiti reading 'Clean hands Dirty $' painted in red and green. The charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison. The incident follows recent controversy over vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, where Pirro dropped charges, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump, who linked the two events and condemned the perpetrators as 'animals.'

Source

Military TimesWestern

Original headline: Woman charged over vandalism of World War II Memorial

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

Woman Charged with Felony Vandalism of WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

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Donald Trump