WWII Memorial in DC cleaned, reopened 1 day after it was vandalized; suspect in custody

WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced Friday that a suspect is in custody in connection with Thursday’s vandalism at the National World War II Memorial.

Melissa L. Farris, of Kentucky, faces two federal felony charges for allegedly spray-painting graffiti on the outdoor monument and pouring soap into the fountains.

The charges filed against Farris are depredation against property of the United States and destruction of veterans memorials, Pirro said on the social media channel X.

If convicted, Farris could face up to 10 years in prison, Pirro said.

Pirro’s announcement was accompanied by two photos. They show a middle-aged woman wearing yellow-framed sunglasses, shorts and flip-flops standing near the monument. In one of the pictures, she holds what appears to be a spray can in her hand as she peers at the graffiti.

National veterans groups and other supporters condemned the vandalism on Aug. 13, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial that involved spray paint on the outdoor monument and soap poured in the fountain. (The White House)

Surveillance cameras are posted at the memorial site, according to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial.

A U.S. Park Ranger responded to a call about a disorderly person at the World War II Memorial and observed the suspect videotaping herself, according to a complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

A subsequent review by authorities of social media posts by Farris included a video of her admitting to the vandalism, according to the complaint.

“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,” Pirro posted when she announced the arrest.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars condemned the vandalism Thursday, stating that it supported “the swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible.”

The organization urged anyone with information to immediately provide it to law enforcement.

U.S. Park Police officers had closed access to the memorial late Thursday, after the vandalism was discovered. Soap frothed in the fountains, and pink, green and orange paint was visible in several areas.

A cleanup began immediately.

By early morning, the memorial was cleared of bubbles and graffiti and reopened to the public.

The memorial is located on the National Mall at the eastern end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. It is open to the public 24 hours a day and draws an estimated 5 million visitors a year.

“The VFW commends law enforcement for the swift arrest of the individual suspected of vandalizing the National World War II Memorial,” Rob Couture, VFW’s public affairs director, said Friday. “We trust the justice system will hold the individual accountable for this disgraceful act. As always, the VFW remains grateful to those who protect and preserve our nation’s sacred memorials and will continue to stand against any act that dishonors the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.”