WASHINGTON — DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Friday that federal charges have been brought against a woman accused of defacing the World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital by dumping bubble soap into its fountain and spray-painting a puzzling message onto the stone structure.
In a post on X, Pirro said her office was pursuing two felony counts against Melissa L. Farris: depredation of property belonging to the United States and destruction of veterans’ memorials.
Pirro added that Farris is currently being held in federal custody. If convicted, she could face as much as 10 years in prison on each charge.
“Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom. Those Americans include my father and grandfather,” Pirro wrote.
By Thursday afternoon, red graffiti reading “Clean Hands Dirty $” could be seen on the memorial fountain.
President Trump also weighed in Friday on Truth Social, writing, “Our beautiful World War II Memorial was just hit by Spray Painting Vandals. THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II. First the Reflecting Pool, now this. We are on their trail! Where do these animals come from???”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
