Suspect Arrested for Vandalizing WWII Memorial in Washington

Melissa L. Paris was arrested and federally charged on the 14th (local time) for allegedly vandalizing the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The arrest followed the discovery of red graffiti reading “Clean hands dirty $” and white foam in the memorial’s fountain at the National Mall the previous day.

U.S. Attorney Janine P. Rizzo brought two felony charges against Paris for destruction of U.S. property and destruction of a veterans' memorial, noting that she faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Rizzo condemned the act, calling it a despicable attack on a sacred site honoring those who gave their lives for freedom.