Investigation into Reflecting Pool Vandalism in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Park Police is requesting help from the public to identify an individual seen in footage related to damages at the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The incident involved alleged destruction of federal property.

The event occurred on a Friday around 3:36 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool by the Lincoln Memorial. Video evidence shows someone, with dark hair, dressed in a gray shirt and black shorts, and carrying a light-colored handbag, kneeling by the pool and reaching into the water.

Previously, former President Donald Trump mentioned his efforts to refresh the pool’s appearance had led to complications with peeling paint and algae, which altered the water’s intended color from blue to green. Trump and other officials reported arrests and citations related to the damage.

In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump claimed the damage involved a box cutter, razor, or knife to cut and tear parts of the area. He described the alleged vandals as “sick people” deserving jail time, attributing their actions to “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

The president noted some water would be drained for repair work and speculated that the vandalism included pouring fertilizer, leading to algae growth. He also mentioned acid was reportedly used on the surrounding grass, causing damage.

National Park Service staff and contractors began cleaning the pool of algae shortly after the incident.