Trump says multiple people have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing Reflecting Pool
Updated on: June 20, 2026 / 11:00 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Multiple people arrested by U.S. Park Police for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- President Trump stated the arrests were for serious crimes involving destruction of national monuments and vowed harsh penalties.
- The pool had recently turned green due to algae and its new surface, chosen by the president, was damaged.
- One individual arrested, David Hearn, stated he was a curious citizen examining the pool's surface and was detained by authorities.
- Hearn is seeking legal help and has a court date next month.
- Trump had previously alleged vandalism to the pool's grass and interior surface.
- The Reflecting Pool has a history of issues including leaks, algae, and faulty plumbing.
- President Trump initiated efforts to address the pool's condition in April.
- Hydrogen peroxide was used to treat the algae, and the president claimed the algae was largely gone.
- Trump suggested similar chemicals used on the National Mall, which bore discolored grass with numbers '86 47', may have been used in the pool.
- The numbers '86 47' are being investigated as a potential threat to Mr. Trump.