Reflecting Pool liner cut with sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says

The National Park Service (NPS) has stated that a liner in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor. This damage occurred after recent renovations, which included draining the pool and installing a tinted polyurea liner to waterproof the concrete surface. Following the refilling of the pool, an algae bloom and issues with the paint on its bottom were reported. Five individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the pool, and five others received federal citations. The NPS plans to drain the pool again after July 4th celebrations to conduct repairs, including assessing and fixing any damage to the lining. The pool, a historic landmark, has historically experienced issues with leaks and deterioration.

The National Park Service has reported that the liner at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp blade on June 9th. This incident damaged the foam sealant, which was part of a $16 million rehabilitation project. The agency has filed a report with US Park Police regarding the damage, which also included fence post tops being thrown into the pool. This information was disclosed by Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service, in a court document related to a lawsuit concerning the project. The statement does not specify if the damage was vandalism or identify any individuals involved.

President Donald Trump announced that six individuals have been arrested for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with an additional seven cited for similar offenses. Trump claimed without evidence that a significant gash was made in the pool's liner, attributing the damage to deliberate criminal acts. The arrests come as the pool's recent $14 million rehabilitation project, which included a new "American flag blue" coating, has been marred by an algae bloom and peeling liner. The Associated Press confirmed one arrest was made after a man touched the peeling paint. Federal workers are attempting to address the algae issue, and Trump stated that some water will be drained for permanent repairs after the Fourth of July. National Guard members and Park Police are now patrolling the area.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. will be drained for repairs due to algae growth and peeling paint, appearing shortly after a $14.7 million renovation. The DC Water authority issued a permit for the draining, and the repair company has stated they will address the issues under warranty. These problems became visible soon after President Donald Trump declared the renovation complete on June 6. Critics have voiced concerns regarding the no-bid contract for the recoating and the impact on the pool's duck population. Earlier this week, National Park Service workers attempted to combat the algae by adding hydrogen peroxide to the water.

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is scheduled to be drained again due to algae blooms and peeling paint. President Trump stated that five individuals were arrested for vandalism and five more are under investigation, attributing the issues to "vandals" who allegedly used a knife and added fertilizer to the water. This comes after a $14 million renovation, which reportedly began showing problems shortly after completion. Reporters observed no evidence of the described damage. One individual, cyclist David Hearn, was arrested for touching peeling paint. Trump insisted the renovation company was not at fault. The DC Water Authority has issued a temporary permit for water discharge, valid until July 2.

President Donald Trump announced multiple arrests for alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, stating that individuals had damaged the recently installed blue lining. This claim came as the $14 million rehabilitation project faced issues, with the blue coating peeling and the pool turning green due to algae. Trump suggested chemicals were used to harm the pool, linking it to other incidents on the National Mall. One arrested individual, David Hearn, stated he touched the peeling coating out of curiosity and was subsequently detained. Authorities have not provided substantiation for the vandalism claims, and the peeling paint and algae are attributed to the project's problems rather than solely malicious acts.