DC prosecutor seeks to keep WWII memorial vandal jailed as Trump clash escalates

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro moved to keep Melissa Farris behind bars on two felony counts for spray-painting the World War II Memorial, appealing a magistrate’s decision to release her. The prosecutors argued she faces an exceptionally high risk of flight and pushed for detention or electronic monitoring, highlighting the memorial attack as a grave offense. The push follows Trump’s public rebukes of Pirro over a separate case related to the Reflecting Pool, reflecting high political pressure surrounding federal prosecutions. A grand jury indictment may be needed to pursue felony charges, and Farris was ordered released on recognizance with reporting and proximity restrictions.