Isabella Giordano, a 21-year-old resident of Towson, Maryland, has been sentenced to six months of probation for her actions following a protest on July 24, 2024. The incident took place at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station in Washington, D.C., where Giordano spray-painted graffiti on federal property.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., alongside 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 (USPP).
Giordano admitted guilt to charges of destruction of government property before U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. In addition to her probation, she has been ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the National Park Service.
Court documents reveal that an organization had obtained a permit for a demonstration near Columbus Circle on the day of the incident. Demonstrators engaged in activities such as pulling down flags from flagpoles, burning them along with other objects, defacing statues and structures with graffiti, and obstructing law enforcement efforts.
Open-source video footage reviewed by authorities showed Giordano using red spray paint to write “Gaza” on the Columbus Fountain and vandalizing two flagpoles' bases in Columbus Circle. Following these events, USPP released a bulletin with images seeking information about individuals involved in the criminal activities. Two tips received by USPP on August 1 identified Giordano.
The vandalized flags and damaged structures are federal government properties managed by the National Park Service, which estimated cleanup and repair costs at approximately $11,282.23.
The investigation was conducted 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 and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan.