Trump says "multiple individuals" arrested for alleged vandalism of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Washington DC, June 21
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that multiple individuals have been arrested for allegedly vandalising the Reflecting Pool located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument in the US capital.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the arrests were made by the United States Park Police and described the alleged acts as serious crimes involving damage to national monuments.
"The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Pool. Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair," the post read.
According to The Washington Post, Olympic cyclist David Hearn was arrested by US Park Police on a misdemeanour charge of destruction of government property after an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday.
Hearn had stopped by the site following a 52-mile bike ride around Hains Point to see the recently refurbished pool. He noticed a section of the new "American flag blue" liner had become detached from the bottom of the pool.
He told authorities he reached into the water to feel the material. Shortly after, as he was preparing to leave the area, he was taken into custody by the US Park Police.
He is scheduled to appear in DC Superior Court on July 9, as reported by The Washington Post.
The President's remarks came days after he alleged that vandals had damaged parts of the recently renovated Reflecting Pool and surrounding areas.
In an earlier Truth Social post on Friday, Trump said his administration had undertaken extensive restoration work across Washington, DC, including the refurbishment of monuments, memorials, statues and fountains.
"We've cleaned, renovated, and beautified over 45 Monuments and Memorials, 28 Statues, and 22 Fountains in Washington, D.C.," Trump said, adding that the city had become significantly safer compared to when he assumed office.
Trump alleged that individuals had damaged the grass surrounding the Reflecting Pool and attempted to harm the pool's newly installed interior surface. He also claimed that substances similar to chemicals previously used on the National Mall had been used in an effort to damage the landmark.
The President further stated that law enforcement authorities had been actively investigating the incident and expressed confidence that repairs to the affected area would be completed soon.
The Reflecting Pool, one of Washington's most recognisable landmarks, stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the arrests of others those taken into custody.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I find it interesting how seriously America takes its monuments. In India, we've got centuries-old structures like Qutub Minar and Taj Mahal being neglected, here they arrest people for even looking at the Reflecting Pool wrong! 😅 But seriously, the cyclist's story sounds genuine - koi bhi curious hokar pani mein haath daal sakta hai. Hope the court sees sense.
Trump's social media ranting is getting old. "Who would do such a thing?" - maybe someone who rode 52 miles and just wanted to see the new liner? 😂 The guy's an Olympic cyclist, not a vandal. Also, "multiple individuals arrested" but they only name one? Something smells fishier than Mumbai's marine drive in monsoon. 🐟
Look, I'm no fan of Trump, but protecting national monuments is important. In India, we see our heritage getting defaced all the time - it's sad. But this case seems like a misunderstanding. "Years in jail" for touching pool liner? That's like threatening to put someone in Tihar for accidentally stepping on a flower bed. Courts should use common sense instead of dramatic threats.
As an American, I'm embarrassed by how our president handles things. Trump is exaggerating a minor incident into a "serious crime" for political points. The Park Police should be investigating actual threats, not harassing cyclists. This is a distraction from real issues. My Indian friends always joke about America's drama - and they're right! 🇺🇸
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