D.C. Police: Vandalism Acts Likely Related

Police Chief Cathy Lanier says vandalism involving splashes of green paint appear to be connected.

July 30, 2013

U.S. Park Police close off the Lincoln Memorial to visitors after someone splattered green paint on the statue and the floor area, in Washington on July 26.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier says a series of vandalism acts involving splashes of green paint on national landmarks appear to be connected.

Jiamei Tian was arrested Monday and charged with splattering green paint inside two chapels at the Washington National Cathedral. The arrest came after police discovered two similar incidents on the National Mall, including at the Lincoln Memorial.

The 58-year-old woman, who police believe is homeless, was due in court later Tuesday on a charge of defacing property. It wasn't immediately clear if she had a lawyer. Police did not describe a motive.

Lanier said on her regularly scheduled appearance on a news talk program on NewsChannel 8 that police believe the incidents are connected.