WASHINGTON — At least six people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as the site continues to face problems with algae and a peeling blue coating weeks after a multimillion-dollar renovation, authorities said.
U.S. Park Police detained the individuals, including a former Olympian, on charges related to destruction of government property following incidents at the National Mall landmark, according to statements from federal officials and reports. President Donald Trump said additional arrests and citations have been issued in connection with the reported damage.
Among those arrested was David Carter Hearn, 67, a three-time Olympic canoeist, who was charged after reaching into the pool to touch a strip of already-peeling paint while riding his bicycle nearby, officials and Hearn's attorney said. Hearn has denied causing damage, stating the liner was detached when he touched it.
The arrests follow Trump's public claims that vandals sabotaged the pool, which reopened in early June after a nearly $14 million renovation that included a new blue liner. Trump has described a large gash in the coating and suggested corrosive substances were used, though officials have not released independent evidence confirming deliberate large-scale vandalism.
The pool has experienced algae blooms and sections of the coating peeling away since reopening. The National Park Service has attributed some issues to residual algae in drainage pipes. Details on the precise circumstances of the individual incidents remain under investigation.
Trump has directed the Interior Department to proceed with repairs, emphasizing protection of national monuments. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that those responsible would be prosecuted.
The Department of the Interior confirmed multiple arrests and citations. As of Tuesday, the pool remained closed for repairs, with increased security at the site.
