A grand jury on Thursday returned an indictment charging Melissa Farris, 41, of Kentucky with two federal counts related to vandalizing the World War II Memorial.
The Justice Department announced the two-count indictment on Friday afternoon.
“On August 27, 2026, a grand jury in U.S. District Court returned an indictment charging Farris with one count of Destruction of Veterans’ Memorial and one count of Destruction of Government Property. A court hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026,” the Justice Department said in a press release.
“According to the criminal complaint filed on August 14, U.S. Park Police were called about 2 p.m. on August 13 for a report of a disorderly person. A witness told officers that they had observed a woman spray painting graffiti on portions of the Atlantic Theatre Pavilion of the World War II Memorial at the eastern end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool,” the DOJ said.
“The World War II Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage of 16 million Americans who served during World War II and the ultimate sacrifice of the 405,399 who gave their lives defending our nation and the freedoms we hold dear. Defacing it is an affront to their service and sacrifice. We will use every tool available under federal law to ensure this conduct is met with justice,” US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
On August 13, Farris allegedly turned the World War II Memorial into her personal stage. She spray-painted “Clean Hands Dirty $” across the Atlantic Pavilion, splattered the site with additional paint, and poured a soapy substance into the fountain that sent bubbles cascading over the memorial to the 16 million Americans who served in the war that saved the free world.
🚨 BREAKING: The WWII Memorial in DC is now a CRIME SCENE, LOCKED DOWN by National Guard after vandals spray painted and poured chemicals into the water
ALL because the left is upset about President Trump beautifying our capital
These people HATE OUR COUNTRY.
Make an EXAMPLE… pic.twitter.com/BUrqvAt8oN
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 14, 2026
She also livestreamed her alleged crime.
A woman who allegedly vandalized the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. has been arrested and faces two felony charges, federal prosecutors said Friday.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro cited social media videos that Melissa Farris allegedly posted, depicting the 41-year-old… pic.twitter.com/F6Z22KYczb
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 15, 2026
Jeanine Pirro previously called Farris’ actions a “despicable attack on a sacred monument.”
“This morning, we are filing two felony charges, Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans’ Memorials, in Federal District Court against Melissa L. Farris, offenses that carry penalties of up to ten years in prison,” Pirro said.
Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom. Those Americans include my father and grandfather.
This morning, we are filing two felony charges, Depredation Against Property of the… pic.twitter.com/7EQxGWtdue
— US Attorney Pirro (@USAttyPirro) August 14, 2026
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