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Video footage reviewed by investigators showed Giordano using red spray paint to write “Gaza” on the Columbus Fountain and also defacing the bases of two flagpoles in the area.
A Maryland woman has been sentenced to six months of probation after pleading guilty to damaging federal property during a protest at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station last year.
Isabella Giordano, 21, of Towson, Maryland, received her sentence in federal court on Wednesday. In addition to probation, U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered her to pay $500 in restitution to the National Park Service. Giordano admitted to spray-painting graffiti on several pieces of federal property during a demonstration on July 24, 2024.
The protest, which had been granted a permit, took place between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Columbus Circle, located at Massachusetts Ave. NE and E St. NE. According to court documents, demonstrators pulled down flags from flagpoles, burned flags and other objects, sprayed graffiti on statues and structures, and interfered with law enforcement efforts.
Video footage reviewed by investigators showed Giordano using red spray paint to write “Gaza” on the Columbus Fountain and also defacing the bases of two flagpoles in the area. On July 30, 2024, the U.S. Park Police (USPP) issued a bulletin featuring photos of individuals suspected of engaging in vandalism. Two days later, USPP received tips identifying Giordano as one of the individuals involved.
The vandalized structures, including the flags and statues in Columbus Circle, are federal property. The National Park Service estimated that cleanup and repair costs totaled approximately $11,282.23.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Park Police’s Intelligence and Counterterrorism Unit with assistance from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan.