Feds charge woman for allegedly vandalizing World War II Memorial in D.C.

Washington — The top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., said a woman has been arrested and faces two felony charges related to vandalism of the World War II Memorial in the capital.

Melissa Farris has been charged with depredation against property of the United States and destruction of veterans' memorials, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on X. Pirro said Farris is in custody.

"Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom," Pirro said.

The World War II Memorial is located on the National Mall, between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. On Thursday, fountains at the memorial were seen filled with soapy bubbles, and a wall was defaced with red paint, including graffiti reading "Clean Hands Dirty $."

Pirro's post on X included a photo of the woman she identified as Farris appearing to spray-paint the walls of the memorial: