Park Police Release CCTV Footage Amid Reflecting Pool Vandalism Probe

On June 19, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., footage showed a person kneeling at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and reaching into the water. The United States Park Police released the stills and video, asking public to identify the individual. No suspect label or forensic findings have been disclosed.

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The pool reopened in early June after a fast-tracked resurfacing ordered by President Donald Trump, who demanded a “American-flag-blue” coating. Within days, algae turned the water green and the coating began to peel. Administration officials attribute the problems to vandalism; critics note the timing.

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Early June – renovation finished; June 19 – CCTV capture; mid-June – algae bloom and coating delamination; late June – fencing and patrols added. Algae growth and coating failure may arise from algae, temperature, moisture, adhesion problems, chemicals, or stress.

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President Trump called pool “gruesomely vandalized,” citing cuts to lining, chemical damage, and a 350-foot gash. Karoline Leavitt, press secretary, called vandalism “very real” and noted arrests. Interior Department said fencing before Fourth-of-July fireworks was advanced due to “increase in vandalism by leftist activists.” Park Police opened tip line.

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Technical specialists noted that coating loss and algae bloom are consistent with known material and environmental challenges, not necessarily intentional damage. They cautioned that premature sabotage conclusions could overlook routine maintenance issues in large-scale water features.

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Trump’s claim of a 350-foot gash is not evident in released footage, which shows no such damage. No forensic report has been made public to confirm cuts or chemical contamination, and Park Police have not disclosed whether the captured individual is linked to the alleged defects.

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• “Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is asked to contact the United States Park Police Tip Line: USPP_TIPline@nps.gov or (202) 379-4877.” — U.S. Park Police

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• “The Reflecting Pool was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July. As in years prior, one of the launch pads for the fireworks is around the pool, so fencing is put up to ensure public safety. With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site.” — Interior Department

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• “Trump Says Pool Was 'Gruesomely Vandalized' On Wednesday, Trump said the Reflecting Pool had been "gruesomely vandalized," adding that damage included cuts to the pool's lining and the use of chemicals.” — President Donald Trump

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The investigation remains active; Park Police continue reviewing the video and soliciting tips. Fencing and heightened patrols are expected to stay in place through the Fourth-of-July celebrations while officials assess the pool’s structural integrity.

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