Reflecting pool was cut with ‘sharp knife or razor’, National Park Service says

Key Points:

• Frank Lands, deputy director for operations at the National Park Service, alleged in a court filing that the liner at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor on June 9, shortly after renovation work was completed.
• The damage reportedly includes cuts to the foam sealant, destruction of surface material, and about 70 fence post tops thrown into the water, prompting plans to drain the pool for repairs after Independence Day.
• The $14.2 million renovation project, promoted by Donald Trump to celebrate America's 250th birthday, has faced issues including an algae bloom turning the water green and peeling blue coating flakes, which Trump blamed on vandalism without providing evidence.
• David Hearn, a three-time US Olympic canoeist, was arrested on misdemeanor charges after interacting with the liner but denies vandalism; no photographic or video proof has been released to substantiate claims of a large "gash" or sabotage.
• US Park Police are actively investigating the incident and seeking public help to identify an individual captured on video allegedly involved in destruction of government property at the reflecting pool on June 19.