U.S. Park Police Seek Help Identifying Individual in Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case

The U.S. Park Police is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person caught on camera related to damage at the Reflecting Pool and alleged destruction of government property in Washington, D.C. The incident took place on a Friday at approximately 3:36 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool, located on the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial in the capital.

According to the video released by the police, an individual with dark hair is seen kneeling next to the Reflecting Pool, reaching into the water. The person is wearing a gray shirt, black shorts, and carrying a light-colored handbag.

The damage investigation comes after former President Donald Trump attempted to resurface the Reflecting Pool. This effort led to peeling paint and algae, which altered the pool’s intended “American Flag Blue” color to a swamp-like green.

Trump and other officials reported multiple arrests and citations for those supposedly involved in damaging the Reflecting Pool. Trump claimed during an Oval Office statement that certain individuals used a sharp object, such as a box cutter or razor, to damage the pool lining and remove sections.

Trump described these actions as the result of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and stated that those responsible should face lengthy jail terms. He suggested that some water will be removed from the pool to facilitate repairs.

In earlier speculation, Trump mentioned that fertilizer might have been poured into the pool, causing the algae issue. He further alleged that acid was poured on nearby grass, which damaged it quickly. National Park Service employees and contractors used vacuums to clean algae from the pool floor as part of the restoration efforts.

On a subsequent Monday, Trump claimed that chemicals were illegally introduced into the water, affecting the pool’s appearance and environment.