- The World War II Memorial was vandalized with bubbles and graffiti, prompting widespread outrage.
- President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, calling the vandals 'animals' and stating 'THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II.'
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that an arrest has been made and two felony charges have been filed against Melissa L. Farris.
- The felony charges include 'Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials,' which carry penalties of up to ten years in prison.
- The Interior Department confirmed that the U.S. Park Police were on the scene and an investigation is ongoing, stating, 'The public should know we will find the person responsible for this disgusting act.'
- Veteran organizations, including the Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, condemned the vandalism, with the latter calling it 'an act of profound disrespect, a slap in the face to the veterans who served and sacrificed.'
The World War II Memorial in Washington was vandalized on Thursday, with bubbles filling a fountain and the phrase "Clean hands dirty $" painted in red.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the arrest of Melissa L. Farris, who faces felony charges for Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials, which could lead to up to ten years in prison.
Pirro condemned the act, stating, “Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom.” She referred to the perpetrators as “animals.”
The vandalism has sparked outrage from various groups, including the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, which emphasized that national memorials should not be used for vandalism. They stated, “There are many places in our country for expression, debate, and disagreement.” The Veterans of Foreign Wars echoed this sentiment, calling the act “a slap in the face to the veterans who served and sacrificed.” The U.S. Park Police are currently investigating the incident, with officials assuring the public that the responsible party will be found.
“U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro filed two felony charges against Melissa L. Farris, including Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans' Memorials, carrying up to ten years in prison. Pirro called the act a 'despicable attack on a sacred monument,' noting her father and grandfather were among those honored.”
AP News
