Melissa Farris, a 40-year-old woman from Kentucky, has been charged with vandalizing the memorial to participants of the Second World War in Washington. The charges were announced on August 14 by District of Columbia Prosecutor Janine Pirro.
Pirro described the act as “a heinous attack on a sacred monument dedicated to Americans who fought and died for our freedom,” noting that her father and grandfather belong among those honored by the memorial.
In videos distributed online, Farris sprayed paint on the memorial and identified herself as the pirate captain.
Federal prosecutors have filed two charges against Farris: vandalism of U.S. property and destruction of veterans’ memorials. These offenses carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Farris is currently in custody.
