District Man Charged in Federal Court for Vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial During Protests

            WASHINGTON – Micah Avery, 26, of Washington, D.C., was arraigned today in federal court on charges of destruction of federal property, resisting a federal officer, and obstructing a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin and Acting Chief of the United States Park Police (USPP) Gregory T. Monahan.

            The complaint alleges that on the afternoon of May 30, 2020, officers with the U.S. Park Police witnessed Avery graffiti the words “Yall not tired yet?” with black spray paint on the Lincoln Memorial (see photo below).  Avery fled as the officers approached him.   After a chase, officers apprehended and handcuffed Avery.  Officers attempted to put the defendant into a patrol car, but he resisted their attempts.  A crowd converged on the officers and began pushing and striking the officers.  During this melee, Avery broke free and ran away.  One of the officers sustained an injury to his hand.  A look-out was broadcast, and Avery was located shortly thereafter by other officers back at the Lincoln Memorial, still wearing the handcuffs.

            The defendant was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Robin M. Meriweather in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.  Judge Meriweather released Avery pending trial, but ordered that he stay away from the Lincoln Memorial. A Criminal Complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

            “The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is dedicated to protecting the vital First Amendment right of individuals who choose to peacefully protest the horrific killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.  Moreover, as the prosecution of Avery illustrates, the United States Attorney’s Office will not tolerate those who under the guise of the First Amendment exploit peaceful demonstrations to break the law, deface our national monuments, and threaten the safety and security of our nation’s capital.  In its commitment to protect the rule of law, this Office will not leave unchecked any criminal activity, whether committed by civilians or law enforcement, that infringes on the fundamental civil rights and ability of any person to be free of violence or fear,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin.

            “The defacing of the Lincoln Memorial, one of our national icons, could not be tolerated. We are committed to safeguarding the First Amendment rights of those who come to the District of Columbia to peacefully demonstrate. This crime shows how the actions of one individual can distort and tarnish a message through vandalism and other crimes of opportunity. This case is an example of excellent police work, under challenging conditions, and meets one of the core missions of the United States Park Police,” said Gregory T. Monahan, Acting Chief of the United States Park Police.

            In announcing the charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Sherwin and Acting Chief Monahan commended the work of the USPP officers who apprehended Avery and are investigating the incident.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.