The individual charged with vandalizing a World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., is facing two federal offenses: damaging U.S. property and vandalizing a veterans monument, as reported in court documents.
The Department of Justice has accused Melissa L. Farris from Kentucky of this act of vandalism that occurred on Thursday. Authorities indicated that the phrase “Clean Hands, Dirty Money” was prominently spray-painted in pink on the monument, and foam soap was thrown into the fountain located in the memorial’s center.
Federal prosecutors have claimed that the costs for cleanup and restoration have already surpassed $1,000.
A review of Farris’s social media by Fox News Digital revealed that she shared a video on Facebook Friday morning. In it, she stated, “It’s me. I’m going to turn myself in… outside the local federal courthouse.”
Amid the ongoing discussions, there was another case involving a former Olympian, David Hahn, where prosecutors are sought to dismiss charges related to vandalism of a reflecting pool.
Farris expressed her emotional struggle, saying, “I was just trying to do the right thing… I was trying to get people to listen… I was trying to engage the media, I was trying to fight back, I was trying to ignore it,” while appearing teary-eyed.
She mentioned living in a camper van, which she described as “covered with cardboard to make it feel a little warmer in the winter.”
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has been contacted for further comments on the incident.
A statement from District of Columbia Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized the significance of preserving World War II monuments, branding the act as “a despicable attack on sacred monuments honoring Americans who died fighting for our freedoms.” Farris has been charged with two felonies that could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval in response to the vandalism, saying, “Our beautiful World War II memorial has just been attacked by spray-painting vandals. There is no greater insult to the American heroes who died in World War II,” in a post on Truth Social.
This incident marks another in a series of vandalism cases targeting monuments in Washington, D.C.
In related news, President Trump has been vocal about pursuing legal action against a former Olympic athlete connected to damage done to the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool.
Earlier this June, authorities also initiated an investigation after the number “8647” was burned into a lawn near the Washington Monument.
