Melissa L. Farris, an Army veteran visiting Washington D.C., has been arrested and faces two felony charges for her alleged involvement in the vandalism of the World War II Memorial, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced Friday.
The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia are charging Farris with Depredation Against Property of the United States and Destruction of Veterans' Memorials. These offenses carry potential penalties of up to ten years in prison.
Pirro stated that vandalizing the memorial is a "despicable attack on a sacred monument honoring the Americans who fought and died for our freedom." She noted that her own father and grandfather were among those who served.
One visitor, who identified herself as an Army veteran from Minnesota, told Fox News she was "offended" by the vandalism after traveling to the memorial to pay respects to those who served. She had visited the memorial to honor those who had served before her.
Farris is currently in federal custody.