The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. faced vandalism over the weekend, leading to several arrests and a call from President Donald Trump for increased security. A recent renovation of the pool, costing $14.8 million, has been marred by these incidents.
Arrests Made
One of the individuals arrested was David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympian. Captured on video by journalist Emily Miller, Hearn interacted with National Guardsmen before being taken into custody. He faced charges for allegedly damaging government property.
Hearn defended his actions, claiming he only inspected the pool liner after noticing it was partially detached. He denied vandalizing or intentionally damaging the pool, stating his bike might have touched a hose being used for algae removal.
Trump’s Reaction
President Trump responded to the incidents on Truth Social, confirming multiple arrests and emphasizing the severity of the crimes. He highlighted the importance of protecting national monuments and announced plans for immediate repairs.
Security Measures
Following the incidents, security has been heightened around the Reflecting Pool. National Guard members and Park Police are actively monitoring the area to prevent further damage.
The White House and U.S. Park Police have not commented publicly on recent events. The pool has recently faced issues such as peeling paint and algae growth, despite the extensive renovation efforts.
Additional reporting was contributed by Michael Sinkewicz, with journalist Alexandra Koch focusing on breaking news and key national events.
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