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US judge orders release of woman accused of vandalism at World War Two Memorial
Melissa L. Farris was released on personal recognizance after prosecutors said she posed a high risk of flight and faces two felony counts.
On Monday, a U.S. judge granted pretrial release to Melissa Farris, 41, who faces two felony charges for allegedly vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., with graffiti and soap.
Farris allegedly vandalized the monument on Thursday, August 13, spray-painting "Clean hands Dirty $" and filling the fountain with suds while claiming to protest U.S. tax spending and corporate practices.
While the Justice Department opposed her release, citing flight risk, Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh imposed strict conditions: Farris must surrender her passport, undergo mental health screenings, and avoid Washington, D.C., except for court business.
President Donald Trump criticized the release on Truth Social, calling the act an insult to American heroes, while Veterans of Foreign Wars condemned the vandalism as "a slap in the face" to veterans and families.
Farris faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted and must appear for a preliminary hearing on September 3, as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro faces ongoing criticism from Trump over her handling of separate vandalism cases.