WASHINGTON (AP) — Authorities announced Friday they had arrested a suspect in connection with vandalism at the World War II Memorial, where the words 'Clean hands dirty $' were painted on the monument and bubbles filled a fountain. The arrest follows President Donald Trump’s claims that vandals damaged grass near the memorial, the same area where he hosted a July 4 celebration.
Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday, sharing a photo of patchy, brown grass near the World War II Memorial and attributing the damage to vandalism. He wrote: 'Look what VANDALS did to the grass connecting the vandalized World War II Monument and the vandalized Reflecting Pool, which will be opened again, and better than ever, shortly.' Trump did not provide evidence for his claim, nor did he explain why he believes the grass damage was caused by vandalism rather than foot traffic or event infrastructure from his July 4 event.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office confirmed Friday that Melissa L. Farris, 41, was arrested in connection with the vandalism case. Charging documents, however, do not mention the grassy area Trump highlighted in his post. Authorities stated Farris had previously been arrested for camping on federal property a few blocks from the World War II Memorial but not in the specific area cited by Trump.
Photos from Trump’s July 4 event show a large stage and seating areas covering nearly the entire lawn where the grass damage is now visible. Workers were seen removing the structures in the days following the celebration, revealing brown and damaged grass underneath. The photographs do not establish the cause of the grass damage, which could result from event setup, weather conditions, or other factors.
Pirro’s office also addressed Trump’s broader claims about vandalism in Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, Trump criticized Pirro after her office moved to dismiss a vandalism case involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The case was dropped after newly disclosed evidence showed widespread liner damage, which officials attributed to poor construction rather than vandalism. Pirro stated that felony charges are being pursued against Farris in the World War II Memorial case.
The National Park Service has not publicly commented on the cause of the grass damage near the World War II Memorial. The Reflecting Pool, which Trump described as 'vandalized,' is scheduled to reopen after renovations. The Park Service has not confirmed whether the pool sustained damage from vandalism or other causes.
Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for damage to his renovation projects in Washington, D.C., often without evidence and in contradiction to official accounts. His latest claims follow a pattern of attributing visible wear or damage to intentional acts, despite differing explanations from authorities.