- A liner in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor on June 9, damaging the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, according to Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service.
- A police report details damage to the pool, "including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material,'' Lands said, adding that about 70 fence post tops also were thrown into the pool.
- Lands' statement, included in a court document, provides the first specific details from the Republican administration regarding how the Reflecting Pool may have been damaged, following claims by President Donald Trump and other officials about vandalism.
- U.S. Park Police has released surveillance footage showing someone putting their hand in the pool and requested public assistance in identifying them in connection with a "Destruction of Government Property" investigation.
- The National Park Service plans to drain the Reflecting Pool after Independence Day celebrations to assess and repair the damage, which also included approximately 70 fence post tops being thrown into the water. The $16 million renovation project, which involved installing a new lining, has faced criticism from Congressional Democrats and a nonprofit organization over alleged no-bid contracts, waste of taxpayer money, and ongoing issues like algae blooms and peeling paint.
IN FULL
