Federal officials are warning of a significant increase in vandalism on the National Mall this summer, with recent incidents including messages written in blood on the Washington Monument and damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. These acts follow a $14.8 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool, which reopened on June 9.
Interior Department communication director Katie Martin told Fox News Digital that multiple "8647" markings have appeared across the Mall. The number "86" is sometimes interpreted as a political threat, akin to "86ed" in the restaurant industry, while "47" may refer to President Donald Trump as the 47th president.
One incident involved an individual writing "I've come" on the Washington Monument using their own blood, according to a police report. Another notable incident occurred on June 9, the same day the Reflecting Pool reopened, when vandals inflicted "razor-blade-like slashes" along the pool's liner, totaling over 300 feet of damage. Some sections were reportedly cut out entirely, measuring between 6 and 15 inches.
In addition to the cuts, pieces of the surrounding metal fence were removed and thrown into the pool, along with a broken chain. Videos of people "ripping at the coating" began circulating shortly after the initial incident.
Interior Department officials initially withheld publicizing the June 9 incident to avoid inspiring copycat acts, but Martin stated that a trend of vandalism emerged nonetheless. "It wasn't until several days thereafter that there were recurring cases and videos of people ripping at the coating began to circulate," she said. "We then knew this was not an isolated incident, but a new trend to attempt to damage the Reflecting Pool."
U.S. Park Police have issued appeals for public assistance in identifying individuals connected to the vandalism. A bulletin posted on X included a photograph of a suspect sought in connection with the destruction of government property at the Reflecting Pool on June 19.
President Trump has publicly condemned the vandalism, posting on Truth Social about the damage to the pool's rubber surface and the destruction of newly laid grass where an "8647" message was etched. He stated, "Somebody went in with the knife and cut it. They cut it up good and then they cut at 200, 350 [feet], in the form of lots of little slits. We know horrible stuff."
An administration official indicated that five people have been arrested on vandalism charges related to the pool, with five additional individuals receiving federal citations. Fourteen police reports have been filed concerning vandalism at the site. Among those cited was former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who authorities allege reached into the water and grabbed a hose from a National Park Service worker.
In response to the increased vandalism, officials moved up the planned installation of fencing around the Reflecting Pool by a week. The area is scheduled to be a launch site for Fourth of July fireworks. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated that the fencing is intended "to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site."
Protesters have reportedly gathered at the National Mall, some holding signs referencing "Team Algae" in relation to the pool's water.