Six Arrested in Shocking Vandalism of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Trump Claims

A sixth individual has been apprehended in connection with the alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to President Donald Trump.

Trump declared on Truth Social that six arrests have been made, with seven additional citations issued “for the damage they did to our Country’s now beautiful Reflecting Pool.”

The president has repeatedly claimed vandalism occurred but has yet to present any evidence. Images of the pool reveal peeling blue sealant, with chunks floating on the surface.

Algae growth has transformed the water into a murky green.

During a press briefing, Trump stated that the Interior Department “will share” images of the alleged vandalism.

On Tuesday afternoon, fencing was delivered to the Reflecting Pool, which the Interior Department claims was always part of July Fourth preparations.

A spokesperson for the department explained, “As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool so fencing is put up to ensure public safety.” They added that due to increased vandalism by leftist activists, fencing is being erected earlier than planned to prevent further damage to this historic site.

This fencing installation coincides with ongoing scrutiny regarding the project, algae issues, and Trump’s allegations of vandalism.

On Saturday, Trump accused vandals of cutting a 250-foot-long gash into the pool. In his Tuesday post, he claimed the damage was inflicted “by a very sharp knife or razors” and described “numerous slashes over a very long 350-foot length.”

He asserted, “It was purposefully and criminally done, and somebody had to work very hard, probably in the dark of night, to create such a condition.” He also noted that a small area at the bottom of the pool was cut and lifted off the surface, leaving jagged edges.

Trump told reporters that the pool had been cut “very violently.” He further alleged that “chemicals” were illegally introduced into the water and threatened a “10-year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things.”

The U.S. Park Police, National Park Service, and the Interior Department have not responded to requests for comment.

Among those implicated in Trump’s vandalism claims is U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn. He reported being arrested and detained for five hours after touching a piece of detached coating.

Hearn stated he visited the pool after a bike ride “to satisfy my curiosity as a citizen of what was happening with all the algae and the peeling blue coating.”

He described the coating as “kind of stiff, but flexible, pretty rubbery. Didn’t feel brittle in any way,” asserting he did not remove or damage any part of it. He maintained that the condition of the Reflecting Pool remained unchanged after his visit.

Hearn claimed he was arrested by the National Guard without being informed of any federal law he had violated. The specific charges against him remain unclear.

His attorney, Norm Eisen, accused the Trump administration of attempting to divert attention from serious questions regarding project management and its corrupt no-bid contracting process.

Eisen stated, “Using the criminal justice system to target innocent people as a form of distraction is textbook authoritarian behavior.”

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice, noted that most federal cases involve felonies rather than minor charges like misdemeanors. He suggested that the cases against those arrested could be influenced by the political climate.

“It’s not your typical case,” he said in a phone interview. “The Department of Justice is doing the president’s bidding.”

Rahmani explained that typically, individuals accused of federal misdemeanors receive citations and notices to appear in court. Misdemeanor crimes usually carry penalties of up to six months or one year in jail, depending on the offense. In some instances, individuals may receive probation and fines.

He indicated that Trump’s threat of 10 years in prison likely pertains to those arrested.

Trump has stated that fixing the pool will require draining some water either immediately before or after July Fourth when the nation celebrates 250 years of independence. He also mentioned that large areas of grass surrounding the pool are being replaced.

“In any event, even prior to fixing those areas, the Reflecting Pool is as beautiful as it can be,” he posted on Tuesday.

The Reflecting Pool has been a personal project for Trump, who previously described it as dilapidated and dirty before renovations began this spring. For years, algae has plagued this iconic D.C. site.

The $14 million-plus rehabilitation project included installing a new liner and applying a new coating dubbed “American flag blue.”