Suspect arrested in vandalism of World War II Memorial in Washington, DC

A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the vandalism of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Melissa L. Farris, 41, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, faces two felony charges: depredation against property of the United States and destruction of veterans' memorials. These offenses carry potential penalties of up to ten years in prison.

The memorial was defaced with spray paint, displaying the graffiti "Clean hands dirty $," and its fountain was filled with soapy bubbles. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced the charges, condemning the act as a "despicable attack" on a sacred monument. Farris reportedly live-streamed her actions and made statements acknowledging her awareness of the choices she was making. She was previously known to U.S. Park Police, having been arrested earlier in August for unlawfully camping on federal property.