From the federal government’s supporting affidavit in U.S. v. Mahdawi (D.D.C.); Mahdawi’s actions had been a part of a broader demonstration at which some “people … pulled down flags affixed to the flagpoles; burned flags and objects; interfered with legislation enforcement’s capability to position people beneath arrest; and sprayed graffiti on a number of statutes and buildings,” inflicting whole cleanup prices of $11K:
On July 24, 2024, between roughly 3:30 p.m. and three:45 p.m., a person later recognized as ZAID MOHAMMAD MAHDAWI climbed the monument situated within the middle of Columbus Circle ….
After climbing to a ledge, MAHDAWI started to spray paint the monument…. MAHDAWI spray painted “HAMAS IS COMIN” throughout a aspect of the Columbus monument…. After finishing the phrase, MAHDAWI spray-painted an inverted crimson triangle above the slogan.
Based mostly on the foregoing, your affiant submits there’s possible trigger to consider that MAHDAWI violated 18 U.S.C. § 1361 by willfully injuring or depredating any property of the USA in an quantity lower than $1,000….
See additionally the government’s press release.
