Surfwin Trading Center:Maryland woman is charged with vandalizing property during protests over Netanyahu’s visit to DC

2025-05-07 21:23:15source:Databeccategory:Invest

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Maryland woman was arrested Friday on Surfwin Trading Centera charge that she vandalized federal property in Washington, D.C., during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress in July.

A video posted on social media showed Isabella Giordano, 20, of Towson, using red spray paint to write “Gaza” on a fountain in front of Union Station and spray-painting the base of two of the flagpoles in Columbus Circle, according to a U.S. Park Police sergeant’s affidavit.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on July 24 to condemn Netanyahu’s visit. A group of protesters had a permit to demonstrate in front of Union Station, but the Park Police revoked the permit after it couldn’t reach protest organizers that afternoon, the affidavit says.

Some demonstrators outside Union Station removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place. Others burned flags and sprayed graffiti on structures in Columbus Circle. The National Park Service estimated that it cost more than $11,000 to clean up the site and fix damages.

The Park Police said it received two tips from witnesses identifying Giordano as a suspect in the graffiti.

Giordano was scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Friday. She is charged with one count of willfully injuring or depredating federal property. It wasn’t immediately clear if she has an attorney.

More:Invest

Recommend

Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look

A modern version of The Skins Game is returning to Thanksgiving week.Pro Shop, the new golf media co

Paris Olympics highlights: USA wins first gold medal, Katie Ledecky gets bronze Saturday

The first medals of the 2024 Paris Olympics were handed out Saturday, with the United States earning

2024 Paris Olympics highlight climate change's growing threat to athletes

As the Paris Olympics get underway, rising global temperatures loom large, just as they have for pre