WASHINGTON — The National Park Service continued cleanup operations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool over the weekend after authorities reported multiple incidents of alleged vandalism at the recently renovated landmark, federal officials said on Sunday.
Workers were seen vacuuming algae, treating the water and inspecting damaged sections of the pool as the National Park Service sought to restore conditions at one of Washington’s most visited memorial sites. The cleanup followed reports of vandalism and damage at the pool, which reopened earlier this month after a renovation project costing more than $14 million, according to the Department of the Interior and National Park Service officials.
President Donald Trump said on Saturday that U.S. Park Police had arrested multiple individuals in connection with alleged vandalism at the reflecting pool. In a social media post, Trump said the incidents involved damage to the newly installed surface and described the acts as crimes against a national monument. Authorities have not publicly released detailed information about all of the alleged incidents.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said individuals found responsible for vandalizing the site would be prosecuted. “Even minor crimes will be pursued,” Pirro said in comments reported Sunday, adding that authorities intended to protect federal monuments and public spaces.
The reflecting pool has faced several challenges since reopening. National Park Service crews have been combating an algae bloom that turned portions of the water green days after the renovation was completed. Officials said they have used hydrogen peroxide treatments, vacuum systems and other technologies to remove algae and improve water quality.
Images published by news organizations this week also showed portions of the newly applied liner or coating appearing to peel from the bottom and sides of the pool. Federal workers continued maintenance and repair efforts while visitors gathered around the memorial during the weekend.
The reflecting pool, located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, underwent resurfacing and repainting work earlier this year as part of a broader restoration effort overseen by the Interior Department. The project followed a temporary closure that began in April to allow repairs and installation of new lining materials, according to National Park Service records.
Officials have not released a comprehensive assessment of the alleged vandalism or estimated repair costs. Details regarding the extent to which reported damage was caused by vandalism, maintenance issues or environmental conditions remain unclear.
As of Sunday, National Park Service crews remained at the site conducting cleanup and repair work, while federal authorities continued investigating reported incidents and reviewing arrests linked to the reflecting pool.
