Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
Key Points:
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner was deliberately cut with a sharp knife or razor on June 9, damaging the foam sealant installed during a $16 million rehabilitation project, according to the National Park Service.
- About 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool, and the incident was reported to U.S. Park Police, who released surveillance footage seeking public help to identify a suspect.
- The Trump administration has blamed unidentified vandals for damage to the pool, including a "350-foot gash," but has yet to provide concrete evidence; six arrests have been mentioned without details.
- The renovation, which included installing a plastic-like rubber lining and repainting the pool bottom, faced issues such as algae blooms and peeling coating shortly after completion in early June.
- The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued to halt further work on the project, urging the administration to consult experts and the public before proceeding with additional renovations.