White House officials announced multiple arrests connected to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool following its restoration.
The arrests stem from incidents at the pool following completion of a $14.8 million restoration project. Authorities have filed 14 police reports related to the vandalism allegations.
What Happened
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool experienced algae growth and damage after its restoration was completed. The Trump administration has accused critics of deliberately sabotaging the project to undermine its completion.
Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn was among those detained, telling NBC News he was held for five hours on Friday after touching a detached piece of coating at the pool.
Official Response
White House officials stated that at least six people have been arrested in connection with the incidents. “It’s unbelievable to see these people in algae costumes with ‘team algae’ on their backs,” one official remarked during a media appearance.
President Trump inspected the pool over the weekend and indicated it would likely need to be drained again. He posted on social media that “chemicals have been dumped illegally into the water” and referenced a federal law carrying a 10-year prison sentence for destruction of national monuments.
Trump later told reporters he observed a “350-foot slit” across the pool surface, stating, “I saw it. They cut it. They cut it very violently.”
Broader Impact
Democratic lawmakers and Washington residents have visited the National Mall to assess the pool’s condition. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell said constituents are concerned about the algae growth affecting the restoration.
The restoration project remains a focal point in broader debates over national monument maintenance and capital beautification efforts.
This story has been updated. CNN’s team contributed to this report.
