US Park Police Seek Suspect in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Damage

U.S. Park Police have released footage of a person wanted in connection with alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The Washington, D.C., landmark has attracted renewed attention this week, after reports of algae blooms, peeling paint and even a dead bird at the site following an estimated $16 million refurbishment.

The park police have now issued an appeal as part of a “Destruction of Government Property” investigation, following an incident at around 3:36 p.m. June 19.

In the clip, a person in a grey t-shirt and black shorts can be seen crouching by the water’s edge and seemingly dipping their hand into the pool.

A number of other people appear to be standing beside the suspect, who sports a light-colored handbag. The person is seen laying the bag on the ground before reaching into the pool once again.

The appeal does not make clear what “destruction” is alleged to have been carried out but authorities have asked for help identifying the suspect in the clip.

Earlier this week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Hannity that there had been six arrests of “deranged individuals” who were allegedly “vandalizing” and “desecrating” the Reflecting Pool.

President Trump claimed on Truth Social that a “300 foot long gash” had been carved into the pool and that “chemicals have been illegally placed in the water.”

An effort to drain and resurface the pool was announced in April, with estimates suggesting that the project would cost around $2 million.

When the pool was refilled earlier this month an algae bloom developed on the water making it appear green despite the refurbishment. Chunks of the pool’s blue surface have also been spotted floating free in the water.

According to The Washington Post, a dead duck was found floating in the waters over the weekend, with two more fished out of a pond at the Constitution Gardens, around 250 feet away.

“They could have had exposure to the Reflecting Pool,” City Wildlife President April Linton told the publication. “It could be something related to peeling paint or algae.”

Government documents obtained by The New York Times showed that National Park Service workers found two cuts in sections of foam between the pool’s expansion joints, but those were not directly related to the algae or the “American flag blue” coating.

The pool was drained, resealed and refilled by June 5, although workers discovered holes, cracks and peeling caulking, as well as cuts to the foam, just four days later.

Katie Martin, a spokesperson for the Interior Department, told The Times the pool was “clear” and “reflecting beautifully.”

“While President Trump was restoring a crown jewel of our nation’s capital, which is supported by Americans across the country, vandals were attempting to destroy, impede and delay ongoing work,” she added.

The Independent has contacted the Interior Department and the USPP for comment.