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Park Police Release Video; Knife Damage Sparks $16M Probe

6/26/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Park Police released a 30-second video of a person kneeling at the Reflecting Pool and asked for identification.
Frank Lands said a sharp knife cut the Reflecting Pool liner, leading to a drain after July 4.
He reported cut caulk, compromised foam sealant and about 70 fence-post tops in the water.
Democratic senators Jeff Merkley and Martin Heinrich called the $16 million renovation a waste of taxpayer dollars and demanded investigations.

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Story summary

Park Police released a 30-second video of a person kneeling at the Reflecting Pool and asked for identification.
Frank Lands said a sharp knife cut the Reflecting Pool liner, leading to a drain after July 4.
He reported cut caulk, compromised foam sealant and about 70 fence-post tops in the water.
Democratic senators Jeff Merkley and Martin Heinrich called the $16 million renovation a waste of taxpayer dollars and demanded investigations.