The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will need another round of draining and repairs after alleged vandalism damaged the newly renovated landmark, according to a federal court document released by the White House.
The repairs will not begin until after Independence Day, a delay that lands just as Washington, D.C., prepares for massive July 4 crowds and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Court Filing Details Damage At Reflecting Pool
In a court document filed Thursday, National Park Service Deputy Director for Operations Frank Lands said U.S. Park Police responded on June 9 to a report of damage at the reflecting pool.
According to Lands, the damage included caulk over foam sealant that had been cut with a “sharp knife or razor” and “destruction of delaminating surface material.” He also said roughly 70 fence post tops were tossed into the water.
That kind of damage is not a quick cleanup job. Lands said the National Park Service plans to drain the pool again for repairs, including “assessing and repairing any damage to the lining,” with the work set to begin “following the Independence Day celebration.”
Renovation Setback Comes Before Major July 4 Crowds
The alleged vandalism comes after more than two months of renovation work ordered by President Donald Trump.
Now, officials face another setback at one of the most visible sites in the nation’s capital. The timing could hardly be worse, with large crowds expected to fill the National Mall for Independence Day festivities.
Meanwhile, officials have pointed to other incidents on the Mall, including markings reading “8647” and a blood-written message found on the Washington Monument.
The administration has previously interpreted “86” as a possible political threat, noting its common use in restaurants to mean removing or refusing service. The number 47 appears to reference Trump as the 47th president.
Blood Message And Other Incidents Raise Alarm
In a separate case, a police report said an individual used their own blood to write “I’ve come” on the Washington Monument.
The Department of the Interior also said damage to the reflecting pool appeared to unfold over several days. “It wasn’t until several days thereafter that there were recurring cases and videos of people ripping at the coating began to circulate,” the department said.
According to the White House, seven people have been arrested in connection with the alleged reflecting pool vandalism. Seven others received federal citations, and authorities have filed 18 police reports.
Park Police Seek Public Help
This week, U.S. Park Police asked the public to help identify a person seen on camera during an investigation into damage at the reflecting pool and alleged destruction of government property.
The video released by police appears to show a person kneeling beside the pool and reaching an arm into the water.
For a site meant to reflect the Lincoln Memorial, the damage has instead become another flashpoint in a tense political moment.
White House Condemns Alleged Sabotage
The White House released a sharply worded statement Thursday, saying “this isn’t random mischief – it’s targeted sabotage by anti-American crackpots who despise a strong, proud, and beautiful country.”
The statement also called the alleged vandals “crazed and deranged lunatics [who] have once again exposed their hatred for America with a cowardly, deliberate attack on one of our nation’s most iconic landmarks.”
Repairs are now expected to move forward after the July 4 celebration, leaving crews with the task of restoring a landmark that had only recently undergone a major renovation.
