President Donald Trump has blamed vandalism for damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. He said unknown individuals used knives and chemicals to create a long gash and kill nearby grass. Five people have been arrested and five others cited in connection with the incidents.
Trump said the damage includes a gash more than 300 feet long in the pool, which was recently repainted deep blue under his supervision. He described the acts as the work of “sick, deranged people” and an affront to Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
The United States Park Police confirmed the arrests and citations. Officials said 14 police reports have been filed for vandalism. The water has been tested daily and found safe, with hydrogen peroxide levels matching those used in natural swimming pools.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, said her constituents were outraged by algae growth in the pool and called it a real problem. Protesters have gathered at the site, including some holding signs in favor of the algae.
