WASHINGTON, June 29 (DC Times Online) — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal authorities will prosecute people accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, calling the damage an attack on a national symbol as crews prepared for July 4.
Speaking on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Burgum said investigators believe the pool’s liner was cut for about 350 feet with a box cutter or another sharp tool. He said authorities had made seven arrests, issued multiple citations and filed 18 police reports.
“When people are attacking it, it is like an attack on our country,” Burgum said. He said “these are our most sacred monuments” and that the people involved would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Other officials have given different counts. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that six people had been arrested and seven others cited, while BBC reported U.S. Park Police said five people were arrested and five others received federal citations.
A court filing by an Interior Department official described the liner as cut with a sharp knife or razor. Burgum also said fencing had been put around the Reflecting Pool as federal crews worked ahead of the holiday.
