U.S. Attorney Pledges Full Prosecution for Vandalism of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, said on Sunday that individuals caught vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall will face full prosecution. The statement comes after President Donald Trump alleged without evidence that vandals caused the pool's newly renovated blue paint to peel and contributed to an algae bloom.
Pirro told Fox News' "Sunday Briefing" program that citations for vandalism have been issued, and even minor crimes will be prosecuted to maintain safety in the capital. She added that those introducing substances that promote algae growth could face more severe charges.
President Trump, in a Truth Social post on Sunday, blamed "sick" and "deranged" individuals for the pool's condition. He had earlier claimed that corrosive chemicals were poured into the pool, though no evidence has been provided. The pool, a major national landmark underwent a $14.7 million renovation completed on June 6. Less than two weeks later, peeling paint was visible, and an algae bloom turned the water green.
National Park Service workers poured hydrogen peroxide into the pool earlier this week to combat the algae. Trump also accused ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl of attempting to damage the pool's surface, a claim that ABC did not comment on.
Concerns about the pool's condition have escalated after Trump first raised vandalism allegations on Friday, stating that 75% of the algae was gone. The pool will be drained for repairs, Trump announced.
