‘A despicable attack’: Felony charges filed against suspect in vandalism at WWII memorial

By Bob Unruh

Federal authorities confirm that a suspect now is in custody for allegedly vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington.

It was Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, who confirmed that felony charges are pending.

The suspect, according to reports, was identified as Melissa L. Farris, who faces counts of depredation against property of the United States and destruction of veterans’ memorials.

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The possible penalties include up to 10 years behind bars.

The Friends of the National WWII Memorial, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the memorial, called the vandalism “unacceptable,” saying the memorial was a “sacred place of remembrance.”

President Donald Trump responded to the attack: “Our beautiful World War II Memorial was just hit by Spray Painting Vandals,” Trump wrote on social media. “THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II. First the Reflecting Pool, now this.”

“We are on their trail! Where do these animals come from???” the president stated.

The WWII memorial was dedicated in 2004. It has 56 granite pillars around a plaza on the National Mall as a monument to the 400,000 Americans who died and the millions who served in the armed forces at the time, according to the National Park Service.

“The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated,” the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, said in a statement.

Bob Unruh

Bob Unruh joined WND in 2006 after nearly three decades with the Associated Press, as well as several Upper Midwest newspapers, where he covered everything from legislative battles and sports to tornadoes and homicidal survivalists. He is currently a news editor for the WND News Center, and also a photographer whose scenic work has been used commercially. Read more of Bob Unruh's articles here.


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