Woman charged over vandalism of Washington's World War Two memorial

Melissa Farris, a Kentucky woman, has been arrested and charged with two felony counts related to the vandalism of Washington's World War Two memorial, according to US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro. The charges, which carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison, stem from the vandalism that occurred on Thursday.

The memorial was targeted with bubbly soap and graffiti, including the words "Clean hands Dirty$," and red and green paint splashed across the area. In videos posted on her Facebook account, Farris is seen spray painting the memorial and questioning why she hasn't been arrested, describing herself as a "pirate captain" seeking to make different choices.

The criminal complaint includes a statement from Farris, acknowledging her actions and expressing a desire to step into the courtroom to await arrest. She claimed the government should also be held accountable for its choices. Law enforcement found a white sign with painted letters in a nearby trash can, matching the paint used on the memorial.

Two of Farris' family members declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Pirro has faced criticism from US President Donald Trump, who accused her of folding like an umbrella after dropping charges against four people involved in vandalizing the Reflecting Pool. Trump compared the situation to vandalism at the World War Two memorial, calling it an insult to Americans who died in the conflict.