Trump announces arrests in Reflecting Pool vandalism case

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the US Park Police have arrested multiple individuals suspected of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Trump characterized the alleged acts as serious crimes involving the destruction of national monuments, stating on Truth Social, "Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair."

The Washington Post reported that Olympic cyclist David Hearn was arrested by US Park Police on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property. Hearn stated he stopped by the recently refurbished pool after a bike ride and noticed a detached section of the pool's liner. He told authorities he reached into the water to feel the material before being taken into custody.

“

The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Pool. Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair.

Hearn is scheduled to appear in DC Superior Court on July 9. The President's remarks follow his earlier claims that vandals had damaged the pool and surrounding areas. In a previous Truth Social post, Trump detailed his administration's extensive restoration work on over 45 monuments and memorials in Washington D.C., asserting the city had become significantly safer under his leadership.

Trump alleged that individuals had damaged the grass around the Reflecting Pool and attempted to harm its newly installed interior surface, possibly using chemicals. He expressed confidence that law enforcement was actively investigating and that repairs would be completed soon. The Reflecting Pool, a prominent landmark between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, attracts millions of visitors annually. Authorities have not yet released further details on other arrests.

“

We've cleaned, renovated, and beautified over 45 Monuments and Memorials, 28 Statues, and 22 Fountains in Washington, D.C.