WASHINGTON, June 29 (DC Times Online) — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal authorities will seek full prosecution after vandals damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., an incident that prompted arrests and citations ahead of July 4 festivities.
Burgum said on Fox News that investigators believe the damage stretched about 350 feet and was made with a box cutter or a similar sharp tool. He said the incident amounted to “an attack on our country” and that those responsible would be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law.”
The number of arrests and citations reported by federal officials has varied. Burgum said seven arrests had been made, while President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that six people had been arrested and seven others cited. BBC reported U.S. Park Police said five people were arrested and five others received federal citations, and WGXA reported the Interior Department said there had been seven arrests, seven citations and 18 police reports.
A National Park Service representative and an Interior Department court filing, as reported by BBC and WGXA, said the Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor. The damage came as federal agencies tightened security around the National Mall before July 4 events.
