WASHINGTON, June 29 (DC Times Online) — Federal authorities have arrested seven people in connection with damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Burgum said investigators believe the pool’s liner was cut for roughly 350 feet with a box cutter or similar sharp instrument. He said fencing had been installed around the pool as crews worked and as officials prepared for July 4 festivities.
“These are our most sacred monuments,” Burgum said. “When people are attacking it, it is like an attack on our country.”
The reported number of arrests and citations has varied across federal statements and public remarks. Burgum said seven arrests had been made, multiple citations issued and 18 police reports filed. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post, as reported by NBC News, that six people had been arrested and seven others cited.
A BBC report citing the U.S. Park Police said five people had been arrested and five others had received federal citations. An Interior Department court filing cited by BBC and WGXA said the pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor.
Federal officials have not publicly identified the people arrested or announced charges in the snippets reviewed. The damage has drawn extra attention as authorities step up security around the National Mall ahead of Independence Day events.
