Trump says several arrested for Reflecting Pool alleged vandalism

President Trump announced on Saturday that multiple individuals have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This statement comes days after the pool's water turned a vibrant green due to algae and after concerns arose about the newly installed "American Flag Blue" surface, personally selected by the president.

“

The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Poll (sic).

"The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Poll (sic)," Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. He emphasized the seriousness of the alleged crimes, noting they involve the destruction of National Monuments and could result in years of imprisonment. Trump assured that repair work would commence immediately.

Meanwhile, David Hearn, a 67-year-old Maryland resident, reported being arrested and detained for five hours on Friday after reaching into the pool. Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, explained that his actions stemmed from scientific interest in the peeling coating of the pool's newly refurbished bottom, a feature Trump had ordered installed. He told The Associated Press that he briefly touched a piece of the coating still attached to the pool's side before a park worker told him to stop.

“

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 described the material as "very rubbery" and stated he was detained by National Guard troops and Park Police shortly thereafter. He is scheduled to appear in court next month and is seeking legal assistance. Trump had previously alleged on Friday, without providing evidence, that vandals had damaged the grass surrounding the pool and harmed the interior surface just days earlier.

“

I'm a curious citizen. I reached down to see what it felt like. It was very rubbery.

The Reflecting Pool has a history of issues, including leaks, algae blooms, and plumbing problems. In April, President Trump initiated a project to address the pool's "terrible" condition as part of broader spring cleaning efforts in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. Despite efforts to remedy the algae, with Trump claiming it was 75% gone and the condition would soon be fully resolved, problems with the new surface emerged last week.

“

The algae is 75% gone, and the condition will soon be completely remedied, and the area that was vandalized, fortunately, is just a small area of damage, and will be fixed early next week.