Key facts
- An individual, who described herself as a "revolutionist" and spoke about homelessness and mental health struggles, is facing felony charges.
- The charges are related to vandalism at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall.
- Donald Trump condemned the vandalism, calling the perpetrators "animals."
- The memorial was remediated by Friday morning.
Donald Trump condemned "Spray Painting Vandals" for damaging the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, stating "THERE CAN BE NO GREATER INSULT TO THOSE AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR II." The condemnation came before charges were announced against an individual who had described herself as a "revolutionist" and expressed struggles with homelessness and mental health.
In social media videos, the individual, identified in a complaint, described navigating homelessness and mental health challenges, and expressed fears of being stalked or not being taken seriously by law enforcement. In a tearful Facebook post, she stated she was turning herself in to police, claiming she had only been "trying to get help for myself" after ineffective appeals to law enforcement and the media.
The World War II Memorial, located on the National Mall, had been remediated by Friday morning. The Friends of the National World War II Memorial also condemned the vandalism.