A chain-link fence has been erected around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C., following recent alleged vandalism and arrests at the site. The fence was put in place on Tuesday, reportedly as a preventative measure against further damage.
Donald Trump stated on Tuesday morning that six arrests had been made in connection with the pool, with several individuals cited for vandalizing the memorial. The Department of the Interior, however, informed The Independent that the perimeter is a standard procedure ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the nation's 250th birthday.
"The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July," the Department of the Interior said in a statement. "As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool, so fencing is put up to ensure public safety."
The department added that "With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site."
One individual, Christian Miles, a former US Navy submariner, was reportedly arrested and taken into custody for allegedly berating a group of Oklahoma state troopers guarding the reflecting pool. Miles stated he was charged with violating a federal obscenity law and was present to protest the security level. He uploaded a politically charged video of the interaction to his YouTube channel.
Last Friday, three-time U.S. Olympian David Hearn was arrested, an incident Trump has characterized as vandalism. Hearn has maintained that he did not damage the pool's paint, stating, "The condition of any part of the reflecting pool didn't change."
Other individuals have faced citations or detention for interacting with the pool area, including one man who reportedly introduced water into the pool with a hose and another who heckled authorities. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro told Fox News on Sunday that anyone found vandalizing or attempting to vandalize the memorial "will face the criminal justice system in DC."
The Reflecting Pool's renovation, part of a $16 million project preceding America's 250th birthday celebration, has faced scrutiny. Reports indicated that the "American flag blue" paint used in the renovation was quickly covered by algae. Trump has indicated the Reflecting Pool will be drained and redone as part of efforts to complete beautification projects in the capital before the July 4th anniversary.