Arrests Linked to Alleged Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Another individual has been detained in relation to the alleged vandalism incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Through a post on Truth Social, Trump indicated that a total of six individuals have been arrested while seven others have received citations due to “the damage they did to our Country’s now beautiful Reflecting Pool.” Despite multiple claims of vandalism by the president, no evidence has been provided thus far.

Photographs depict the blue sealant at the pool beginning to peel, with fragments floating at the surface, and algae turning the water green. The president informed reporters that the Interior Department plans to release images showing the alleged vandalism. Peeling paint and algae were visible Monday at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to Aaron Schwartz of Reuters.

On Saturday, Trump accused vandals of slicing a 250-foot-long cut into the pool at the historic site. In his Tuesday post, Trump elaborated that the damage involved “numerous slashes over a very long 350-foot length,” executed “by a very sharp knife or razors.” He described the act as intentional and criminal, implying significant effort, likely conducted clandestinely.

“Similarly, the small area at the base of the pool was cut and powerfully lifted off the surface, leaving very jagged, uneven edges,” he wrote. Trump also stated that the pool had been damaged “very violently,” alleging that “chemicals” were illegally added to the water, and issued a warning of “a 10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things.” Requests for comment from the U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, and the Interior Department have been left unanswered.

One of the individuals involved in Trump’s vandalism claims is U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn. He had informed NBC News of his arrest and five-hour detention on Friday after he interacted with a detached piece of coating. Hearn mentioned he visited the pool post-bike ride to explore the algae situation and peeling blue coating.

“It was kind of stiff, flexible, and rubbery. Didn’t feel brittle at all,” he described. “I didn’t remove, tear, rip, break, or destroy any of it. The pool’s condition remained unchanged after my visit.” Hearn disclosed the National Guard executed his arrest without clarifying his alleged federal law violation. His charges remain unspecified.

Commenting on the situation, Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, highlighted the political context in handling these cases differently. He noted the unusual nature considering the president’s involvement, explaining the standard procedure for federal misdemeanors, which entails citation issuance and court appearances.

Rahmani pointed out misdemeanors usually bring penalties up to 6 months or a year in jail, or probation accompanied by fines, referencing Trump’s 10-year prison threat to the arrestees. Trump has mentioned necessary water drainage from the pool either before or following the Fourth of July during America’s 250th independence celebration, also hinting at replacing substantial grass areas nearby. He claimed, “In any event, even prior to fixing those areas, the Reflecting Pool is as beautiful as it can be.”

The Reflecting Pool has been a focus for the president, who earlier depicted it as neglected, dilapidated, and dirty before renovations commenced this spring. Algae has long been problematic at this notable D.C. location. As part of a rehabilitation project valued at over $14 million, a new liner and “American flag blue” coating were applied.