Summary
President Donald Trump said several people have been arrested for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after algae growth and paint problems appeared. A man was also detained for touching the pool while investigating the peeling surface installed by the President. Authorities are working to fix the damage and clear the algae.Key Facts
- The United States Park Police arrested multiple people for vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to President Trump.
- The Reflecting Pool recently developed algae that turned the water fluorescent green and paint started peeling from its surface.
- David Hearn, a 67-year-old man, was detained for five hours after touching the pool to examine the new coating.
- President Trump ordered the installation of a new coating on the pool as part of spring cleaning ahead of the U.S. 250th birthday.
- Workers have been applying hydrogen peroxide to remove the algae, which is reported to be 75% gone.
- President Trump suggested that vandals used chemicals to harm the Reflecting Pool and referenced a related incident of numbers etched into the National Mall grass.
- Authorities are investigating possible threats related to vandalism and the etched numbers found on the National Mall.
- The National Park Service has not yet responded to requests for comment on the arrests or vandalism.
