Interior Secretary Doug Burgum promised a tough federal response after vandals allegedly carved a 350-foot gash into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and left anti-Trump graffiti across the area, just days before July 4 celebrations in Washington, D.C.
The damage struck one of the most symbolic spaces on the National Mall. For officials, it was not just property damage. It was an attack on a national landmark tied closely to American history, public memory and presidential legacy.
“When people are attacking it [the Reflecting Pool], it is like an attack on our country,” Burgum said. “These are our most sacred monuments, and they [the perpetrators] are gonna be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Seven Arrests Made After Damage To National Mall
Burgum said authorities have arrested seven people in connection with the vandalism. Officials also issued multiple citations and filed 18 police reports as the investigation continues.
According to Burgum, the vandals cut through about 350 feet of the Reflecting Pool’s industrial rubber liner. Investigators believe someone used a box cutter to make the long slash.
That detail made the damage look less like random mischief and more like a deliberate act. Meanwhile, fencing now surrounds the Reflecting Pool as repairs and security work continue.
Anti-Trump Graffiti Found Near Reflecting Pool
Images from the scene showed several anti-Trump markings left behind by the vandals. One marking included “8647,” a phrase many interpret as either a call to violence or a call to remove the president.
“The Reflecting Pool [is] part of the 1922 Lincoln Memorial,” Burgum said.
“When people are using box cutters to do vandalism on this thing, it’s the same as if they were throwing paint on Lincoln’s statue in the eyes of the law.”
The Reflecting Pool sits between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, making it one of the most photographed and visited locations in the capital. So, when damage appears there, it draws national attention fast.
Trump Says Vandals Cut A Scar Through The Pool
President Donald Trump addressed the vandalism Friday, saying the Reflecting Pool had recently been restored before being targeted.
“They ripped a scar 350-feet-long through the side of the Reflecting Pool,” Trump said.
“These are the people we’re dealing with. These are people that want to destroy our country.”
The remarks came as the administration works to clean, repair and secure major public spaces in Washington ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Repairs Continue Before July 4 Festivities
Burgum said the administration has restored more than 50 parks and circles, repaired 48 monuments, returned 22 fountains to service and fixed about 1,700 lights across the National Mall.
Still, the Reflecting Pool damage has created a visible setback before Independence Day. The fencing was installed partly to protect the site and partly to prepare for July 4 events, including fireworks near the monument.
For now, officials say the message is clear. The damage will be repaired, the celebration will continue, and the suspects will face prosecution.
