Key facts
- The liner of the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. was cut with a sharp knife or razor.
- The damage occurred earlier this month, according to the National Park Service.
- The incident caused damage to foam sealant installed during a recent rehabilitation project.
- Approximately 70 fence post tops were found thrown into the pool.
- Five individuals have been arrested for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool.
The liner of the Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. was intentionally cut with a sharp object earlier this month, damaging a recent multi-million dollar rehabilitation project, the National Park Service (NPS) confirmed. Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the NPS, stated in a court filing that US Park Police responded to a report on June 9 regarding damage to the pool's liner and foam sealant. The filing detailed that the damage included cuts to caulk over the sealant and destruction of surface material, with approximately 70 fence post tops also found thrown into the pool. President Donald Trump had previously blamed vandals for a "300-foot-long gash" and alleged fertilizer was added to the water. The NPS plans to drain the pool again after July 4 to conduct further repairs. The pool, built in the 1920s, has a history of issues including leaks, deterioration, and algae growth.