A man from Virginia, who spray-painted a federal monument in Washington, D.C., with a pro-Hamas slogan during a demonstration near Union Station, is set to spend some time in jail, as reported by federal authorities.
Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi, aged 26 from Richmond, received his sentencing on Friday, April 4, receiving 10 days in federal prison along with six months under supervision as part of a plea deal for destroying government property, according to an announcement made by the US Attorney’s Office for Washington D.C.
The event took place on July 24, 2024, at Columbus Circle during a protest rally.
At around 3:30 p.m., Mahdawi ascended the Columbus statue and was recorded on video spray-painting the phrase "HAMAS IS COMING" in red, alongside an upside-down triangular sign.
Authorities stated that Mahdawi had previously removed an American flag during the protest, which was subsequently taken by another individual. The demonstrators engaged in burning items, vandalizing government property, and obstructing law enforcement attempts to make arrests.
Mahdawi’s graffiti was spotted by US Park Police cameras and extensively circulated on social media. The incident was also recorded in publicly available videos and photographs that were subsequently uploaded to different online platforms.
"The flags removed from the flagpoles and the statues and structures in Columbus Circle are all owned by the federal government," the prosecutors stated.
Judge James E. Boasberg issued the ruling, requiring Mahdawi to perform 80 hours of community service and to pay $1,500 as restitution for the approximately $11,282.23 in cleanup expenses.
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