US Park Police Investigate Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Tyunews.com – Authorities from the U.S. Park Police are actively requesting help to identify an individual suspected of damaging government property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. A video shared on social media by the Park Police captures the alleged act, showing a person reaching into the pool and retrieving an object from the water. The footage, though somewhat unclear due to its distance and blurriness, has sparked inquiries into the incident.
The suspected vandalism occurred at 3:36 p.m. ET on June 19. Park Police have urged anyone with insights into the suspect’s identity to reach out via their tip line. Meanwhile, ABC News is collaborating with the National Park Service to trace the origin of the video.
Trump Continues to Blame Vandals for Pool Damage
President Donald Trump has maintained his criticism of vandals, asserting that they are responsible for the alleged destruction at the Reflecting Pool. Despite the ongoing renovation project, which cost $16 million, the White House has not yet released concrete evidence to support these claims.
“The Reflecting Pool that you’ve heard so much about, which is so incredible, has been severely vandalized by thugs and bad people,” Trump stated during a speech at the Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair. “However, it will soon be restored to its former glory, as beautiful as it was two weeks ago.”
Trump further claimed that the pool will undergo another draining for “permanent repair” around the Fourth of July, emphasizing the administration’s efforts to rectify the damage. He also noted that the vandals have largely been apprehended and are facing legal action.
The Interior Department confirmed that several arrests and federal citations have been made in connection with the incident. However, the full scope of the vandalism remains under investigation as restoration work progresses on the National Mall.
Image caption: The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington, D.C. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images.
