Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday for a new round of repairs, according to Fox News. The work addresses debris from the July Fourth fireworks celebration and damage attributed to vandalism.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the draining and cleaning were planned, and that repairs for vandalism were also necessary. The latest maintenance follows an earlier restoration project that was completed last month. President Donald Trump had previously blamed vandals for issues that arose shortly after the initial restoration.
Following the July Fourth festivities, National Park Service workers were observed near pumps placed at the pool's edge. Court records indicated that the pool would be drained again after the holiday for repairs to damage that authorities linked to vandalism.
Investigators documented that caulk had been applied over foam sealant that was cut with a sharp object, the new surface coating was damaged, and approximately 70 fence post caps were found in the pool. Burgum addressed questions about the damage, affirming that repairs were being made.
Separately, former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony destruction of property related to an incident at the pool. Hearn was arrested on June 19 and denied damaging the pool, stating he touched a loose piece of the coating out of curiosity. Online court records also show that at least three other individuals have faced misdemeanor charges for allegedly removing parts of the pool's coating, and they have also entered not guilty pleas.