NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough
Federal prosecutors charge woman with vandalizing World War II Memorial
Melissa L. Farris has been charged with depredation of U.S. property and destruction of veterans' memorials after the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was defaced with red paint and fountain bubbles on Thursday. The U.S. Park Police are currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The incident involves the legal prosecution of an individual for damaging a federally protected national monument, which serves as a site of public commemoration for military veterans.
Key Facts
- Melissa L. Farris is charged with depredation against property of the United States and destruction of veterans' memorials.
- The vandalism occurred on Thursday at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
- The act involved filling a fountain with bubbles and writing 'Clean hands dirty $' in red paint.
- The U.S. Park Police are leading an ongoing investigation into the incident.
- The Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have publicly condemned the act.
- The World War II Memorial is located east of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Who's Mentioned
organizationU.S. Park Police“Law enforcement agency investigating the incident.”personDonald Trump“President mentioned in relation to previous National Mall maintenance issues.”organizationFriends of the National World War II Memorial“Nonprofit organization involved in site maintenance.”locationWorld War II Memorial“The site of the vandalism incident.”organizationVeterans of Foreign Wars“Organization that issued a statement condemning the act.”personMelissa L. Farris“Individual charged with vandalism of the World War II Memorial.”personJeanine Pirro“U.S. Attorney who announced the charges.”