WASHINGTON, June 29 (DC Times Online) — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal authorities have made seven arrests and issued multiple citations after what officials described as vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Burgum said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends Weekend that investigators believe the damage ran about 350 feet and was made with a box cutter or similar sharp instrument. He said, “These are our most sacred monuments,” and vowed prosecution “to the full extent of the law.”
A court filing by an Interior Department official and a National Park Service representative said the pool’s liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor. The Department of the Interior also said there were seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports connected to the incident.
Public accounts of the arrests and citations have varied. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that six people had been arrested and seven others cited, while BBC reported that U.S. Park Police said five people had been arrested and five others cited.
Burgum said fencing had been installed around the Reflecting Pool ahead of July 4 festivities.
