Suspect charged with vandalizing DC World War II memorial with bubble soap, red graffiti

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-14 14:51:01 | Updated at 2026-08-14 16:39:09 2 hours ago

WASHINGTON — DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced charges Friday against a woman who allegedly vandalized the capital’s World War II Memorial by pouring bubble soap into its fountain and spray-painting a cryptic message on its stone edifice.

Pirro said in an X post that prosecutors in her office were filing two felony charges against Melissa L. Farris, accusing her of depredation against property of the US and destruction of veterans’ memorials.

Farris is in federal custody currently, added Pirro. Each count carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.

Melissa L. Farris is in custody after being charged with vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. X / @USAttyPirro
Melissa L. Farris is charged with vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. X / @USAttyPirro
Vandals poured bubble soap into the fountain at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC on Aug. 13, 2026. ZUMAPRESS.com

“Vandalizing our World War II Memorial is a despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom. Those Americans include my father and grandfather,” Pirro wrote.

The memorial fountain bore the message, “Clean Hands Dirty $” in red graffiti Thursday afternoon.

It is unclear why the war memorial was vandalized with the soap. ZUMAPRESS.com
“Clean Hands Dirty $” was written in red spray paint at the World War II memorial. ZUMAPRESS.com
DC police and National Guard members at the scene of the vandalism. ZUMAPRESS.com

President Trump posted earlier Friday on Truth Social, “Our beautiful World War II Memorial was just hit by Spray Painting Vandals. 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???”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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