Isabella Giordano, a 21-year-old resident of Towson, Maryland, was sentenced to six months of probation for defacing federal property at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station, Washington D.C. The incident occurred following a protest on July 24, 2024.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., along with FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Courtland Rae from the Washington Field Office Counterterrorism Division and Chief Jessica M. E. Taylor of the U.S. Park Police.
Giordano admitted guilt to charges of destroying government property before U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg, who also mandated her to pay $500 in restitution to the National Park Service.
Court documents revealed that on July 24, 2024, an organization received permission to demonstrate near Columbus Circle at Massachusetts Ave. NE and E St. NE, directly in front of Union Station. Between approximately 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., demonstrators pulled down flags from flagpoles, burned flags and other objects, sprayed graffiti on multiple statues and structures, and obstructed law enforcement efforts.
Video evidence from social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showed Giordano using red spray paint to write "Gaza" on the Columbus Fountain and defacing two flagpole bases in Columbus Circle with graffiti. On July 30, 2024, the U.S. Park Police issued a bulletin with several photos while coordinating with the FBI to gather information about five individuals involved in criminal activities on that day. Two tips identifying Giordano were received by USPP on August 1, 2024.
The damaged items including flags and statues are federally owned property within Columbus Circle. The National Park Service estimated repair costs at approximately $11,282.23.
The investigation was carried out by USPP's Intelligence and Counterterrorism Unit with support from the FBI Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan.
