The Washington City Paper reports that green paint splatters have been found in one of the lower-level chapels at the National Cathedral and on the statue of scientist Joseph Henry, which stands in front of the Smithsonian Castle.
These latest acts of vandalism have prompted questions about whether these incidents are connected to the green paint found on the Lincoln Memorial last week, though U.S. Park Police have yet to comment on the situation.
A National Cathedral employee stated that the paint was discovered on the organ console in Bethlehem Chapel on Monday afternoon. The vandalized statue of the Smithsonian’s first secretary has green paint marks along the base.
UPDATE: A 58-year-old Asian woman was arrested by D.C. police on Monday evening near the National Cathedral. The Washington Post reports that Jiamei Tian has been charged on at least one count of defacing property. Police Chief Cathy Lanier announced on Tuesday that the various vandalism incidents are believed to be connected.
UPDATE: The Associated Press reported on Tuesday afternoon that Tian is an illegal Chinese immigrant who entered the U.S. on an expired visa. She faced a D.C. Superior Court judge on Tuesday and is being held without bond for defacing private property. The estimated cost of cleaning and repairing the vandalized area in the National Cathedral alone is $15,000.