A woman charged with vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. has been identified as Melissa Farris, who referred to herself as a "homeless freedom fighter" in a series of unusual videos posted online prior to the incident. Farris faces felony charges of depredation against property and destruction of veterans’ memorials.
In rambling posts shared on social media, Farris, 41, made claims about being under federal wiretap and experiencing threats, stating she "fled for my life." She also alleged government malfeasance involving billions of dollars and proposed specific uses for these funds, including providing "nerf guns and scooters" for orphans and "dog beds and supplies" for a county in Ohio, as well as a "jet for the Make a Wish Foundation."
Farris also criticized a Biden Administration Energy Department grant for Ford electric vehicle battery plants, posting "Revolt. With 30 sec phone calls. Take democracy back." In one video, she performed what she described as a "dance party" in front of the White House and stated she was "planning the revolution."
Hours before allegedly defacing the monument, Farris urged people online to send her money through Cash App, asking for funds to buy "paint." The monument, dedicated to the 16 million Americans who fought in World War II, was found spray-painted with graffiti and covered in bubble soap on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
A friend from Kentucky, who Farris had directed potential donors to, told The Post that he was unaware of her intentions to vandalize the memorial and expressed disappointment. He stated that he had not been involved in her decision and believed Farris to be a good person "deep down."