A woman livestreamed herself vandalizing a WWII memorial before asking viewers to spread the footage online.
A Kentucky woman has been arrested after allegedly vandalizing the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and documenting the incident on social media.
Melissa L. Farris, 41, was taken into custody on August 14 after authorities linked her to the vandalism, which took place the previous day. Prosecutors have charged her with two federal felonies: depredation against U.S. property and destruction of a veterans' memorial. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Woman Films Herself Vandalizing Memorial
The incident occurred on August 13, when the memorial was defaced with red and green paint, and its fountain was filled with a soapy substance that created large amounts of foam and bubbles.
According to prosecutors, Farris posted videos showing herself spray-painting the memorial. In one video, she reportedly acknowledged that she was responsible and said she intended to be arrested for her actions.
Authorities later found evidence linking Farris to the scene, including witness photographs and paint that appeared to match the paint used on the memorial. A U.S. Park Police officer also recognized her from an unrelated arrest just days earlier for allegedly camping unlawfully on federal property.
Following the incident, Farris reportedly asked her viewers to edit and spread footage of the livestream. She also appeared in later videos, where she was visibly distressed and said she knew her actions had upset people.
Vandalism Leads To Federal Charges
Farris reportedly said she wanted to draw attention to issues including government spending and alleged corporate wrongdoing. Authorities have not indicated that the vandalism was connected to any legitimate investigation.
The incident has attracted widespread condemnation because the memorial honors the Americans who served and died during World War II. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro called the vandalism a “despicable attack” on the memorial.
The case has also drawn political attention after President Donald Trump condemned the vandalism and connected it to a separate controversy involving damage at the nearby Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Farris remains accused rather than convicted, and the charges against her are allegations at this stage.
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