Judge orders release of suspect accused of vandalizing World War II Memorial

Published August 18, 2026 12:51pm ET | Updated August 18, 2026 12:51pm ET



A judge on Monday ordered the release of the woman accused of vandalizing the World War II Memorial on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall.

Melissa Farris was arrested after appearing to livestream herself on Aug. 13 vandalizing the monument, sparking outcry from President Donald Trump and leading U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro to press charges against the woman. Pink and green graffiti was splattered in the area, “Clean hands Dirty $” was written in spray paint on the inside of the memorial’s Atlantic Theatre Pavilion, and the monument’s fountain was tampered with bubbly soap.

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