US Park Police have detained another person over the alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, only days after the landmark reopened following a major renovation.
The suspect, described as a cyclist, was arrested at the scene. According to on-scene reports and video footage circulating online, he was seen pulling pieces of the pool’s new blue sealant from the bottom of the basin. Police are said to believe the act was deliberate, targeting a protective liner that has already been troubled by peeling and algae growth.
Footage of the arrest was shared on social media by independent journalists, among them Nick Sortor and Emily Miller, and quickly drew wide attention. It is reported to be at least the second such incident at the site in recent days.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of a renovation that has not gone smoothly. The pool was refurbished with a special “American Flag Blue” polyurea coating at significant cost, but soon after it was refilled the project ran into serious problems, including persistent green algae blooms and flaking of the new sealant. The current administration has pointed to vandalism and sabotage as contributing factors, while critics contend that the work was rushed and poorly carried out.
The suspect is expected to face federal charges for damaging national park property and a national monument, with investigations continuing.
The latest arrest has prompted strong reaction online, including calls from some for the toughest available penalties to deter further damage to the site. Further updates are expected as the case develops.
