Reflecting Pool caulking cut with 'sharp knife or razor' in previously undisclosed incident, NPS says in court filing
An incident of alleged vandalism involving a "sharp knife or razor" used to cut caulk at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was revealed in a federal court filing overnight -- an incident that happened shortly after the rehabbed structure was filled again with water.
According to a declaration by Deputy Director for the National Park Service Frank Lands, "On June 9, 2026, after the rehabilitation project was substantially complete, the U.S. Park Police responded to an NPS report of damage to the reflecting pool, including a caulk over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and destruction of delaminating surface material. In addition, approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool."
An Interior Department spokesperson, when asked by ABC News for additional information about the June 9 incident, said at the time the alleged "vandalism was under investigation and believed to be isolated." Asked for photos of the alleged incident, the Interior Department provided a statement instead.
"So as not to encourage deranged individuals, we did not announce what we hoped to be an isolated incident," the spokesperson said.
"It wasn't until several days thereafter that there were recurring cases and videos of people ripping at the coating began to circulate. We then knew this was not an isolated incident, but a new trend to attempt to damage the Reflecting Pool."
As of Thursday afternoon, the Interior Department said there have been seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports filed related to alleged damage to the Reflecting Pool.
On Wednesday, U.S. Park Police released a bulletin seeking assistance in identifying a person wanted in connection to a "destruction of government property" investigation related to the Reflecting Pool.
Park Police posted a video of the alleged incident that shows a person reaching into the Reflecting Pool and appearing to pull something from the water. The video is somewhat blurry and shot from a distance. ABC News has reached out to National Park Service and Park Police about the source of the video.
The incident allegedly occurred at 3:36 p.m. ET on Friday, June 19. Park Police said anyone with information on the identity of the individual should contact their tip line.
President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for problems at the Reflecting Pool after his administration's $16 million renovation.
The White House has yet to provide photo evidence that shows the extensive acts of vandalism that has been alleged by Trump. Details about the arrests and related evidence have not been released as well. Formal charges have not been made.
"The Reflecting Pool that you've heard so much about, which is so incredible, it's been gruesomely vandalized by thugs, bad people, but soon will be looking as beautiful as it looked just two weeks ago," Trump said on Wednesday night as he kicked off Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair with remarks on the National Mall.
"In fact, I looked at it just a little while ago, it looks perfect already," the president continued. "But we’re fixing it. The vandals got to it, they’ve largely been caught and are being prosecuted. We can't let that happen to our country."
