The National Park Service (NPS) plans to drain the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool following the Independence Day celebrations to conduct repairs for alleged vandalism, according to a court document released by the White House. The damage, discovered on June 9, involved caulk being cut with a sharp object, destruction of surface material, and approximately 70 fence posts thrown into the pool.
Frank Lands, NPS Deputy Director for Operations, stated in the document that the repairs will include assessing and mending any damage to the pool's lining. NPS employees were seen using vacuums to remove algae from the pool on June 18, following recent renovations ordered by President Donald Trump. Some of this algae may have resulted from the vandalism.
The incident occurs as Washington, D.C. prepares for large crowds for Independence Day, marking America's 250th anniversary. The city has also seen other disruptions on the National Mall, including "8647" markings and a message written in blood on the Washington Monument.
The White House has labeled the acts as "targeted sabotage by anti-American crackpots." It described the alleged vandals as "crazed and deranged lunatics" who have demonstrated hatred for the country by attacking a prominent landmark.
U.S. Park Police have been investigating the damage and sought public assistance in identifying a suspect seen in released video footage near the pool. According to the Department of the Interior, videos have circulated showing individuals tampering with the pool's coating. As of Thursday, seven individuals had been arrested in connection with the reflecting pool vandalism, seven others received federal citations, and 18 police reports have been filed.
