Topline
At least seven people have been arrested for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool, the Interior Department confirmed to the Associated Press on Thursday, as the White House continues to blame vandalism for damage to the new renovations.
The Trump administration pointed to grainy photos and videos of an individual appearing to remove something from the pool that were released on Wednesday.
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Key Facts
At least seven people have been arrested while seven more have been issued citations, an Interior Department spokesperson told the AP on Thursday.
Additionally, another 18 police reports have been filed.
A press release from the White House also doubled down on President Donald Trump’s earlier claims of vandalism, linking to news coverage of the prior arrest announcements, including multiple stories about former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was arrested last Friday but denies damaging the pool.
Trump has repeatedly claimed vandals were responsible for a large gash cut into the pool, but has not presented clear evidence to back up the claim.
White House Doubles Down on Vandalism Claims
The press release included links to grainy photos and footage of an individual bending down and seemingly removing something from the pool, which were released by the U.S. Park Police on Wednesday along with a notice asking for any information about the person depicted. Park Police said the incident happened on June 19—10 days after police received a report that the caulk over foam sealant at the pool was cut with a knife, according to a court filing from Wednesday. In a statement to the AP on Thursday, an Interior Department spokesperson said the earlier vandalism was “under investigation and believed to be isolated,” and did not publicize the incident in order to avoid inspiring copycats. The Interior Department also said it found pieces nearby of fencing that were “forcibly removed and thrown into the pool,” another incident noted in the Wednesday court filing.
Key Background
President Donald Trump drained the Reflecting Pool earlier this year to make room for extensive renovations, including painting the basin “American flag blue,” which he has estimated cost about $16 million. The pool was refilled earlier in June in preparation for Independence Day, but a massive algae bloom returned days later. Visitors also began noticing what appeared to be paint or lining peeling from the pool’s basin. Trump and the Interior Department previously announced at least six people were arrested and seven issued citations for vandalism related to the Reflecting Pool.