Sad that some people here are more angry at the RC's who may or may not called this a "painting" (as LBK pointed out, it could simply be a mistranslation) than at the psychopath who tried to deface it. 
No, no....I am also concerned about the man with the paint...and really am curious as to his intentions and reasons behind his action.
I was less worried about the icon because someone had the forethought to actually put glass around it - which was an excellent idea.
My concern over calling an icon a "painting" is not nitpicking or overlooking the "act" of vandalism, but, a concern for showing an icon due respect. Too often people think of icons as nothing more than paintings, works of art, etc. That was my only concern.
If this is truly a error in translation I happily stand corrected. No harm was meant....only concern for respect towards things holy.
How do you know this man is a psychopath, without knowing anything about him, or his motives?