Melissa Farris, accused of defacing the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was formally indicted. She faces charges for damaging a veterans’ memorial and government property. Authorities claim Farris spray-painted ‘Clean hands, dirty money’ and added bubble soap to the fountain.

The incident allegedly caused cleanup costs exceeding $1,000. Before surrendering, Farris conducted a Facebook live admitting to the act. She expressed her intention to ‘do the right thing’ and stated she wanted people to listen, despite her difficult living conditions in a makeshift camper.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro condemned the vandalism. She stressed the memorial honors those who fought in World War II, including her own relatives. The charges could result in up to ten years in prison. Former President Donald Trump also criticized the vandalism as disrespectful.

In a related incident, charges against several individuals, including Olympic canoeist David Hearn, for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, were dropped. Evidence suggested the damage was due to faulty renovations rather than vandalism.

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche supported dropping the charges, a decision contested by Trump. This incident has sparked discussions on national monument preservation and accountability for vandalism.