An increased number of law enforcement officers have been seen patrolling the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after President Donald Trump alleged vandals caused extensive damage to the recently renovated landmark.
The increased security presence comes as work crews started draining the pool on Monday to repair what Trump called a 300-foot “gash” in the pool’s liner, as well as address algae blooms the president claimed were the result of chemicals being added to the water.
Trump offered a reminder to anyone considering vandalizing the pool that “there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things – Which will be fully enforced!” The administration has not provided proof that vandalism caused the damage. National Park Service crews dumped gallons of hydrogen peroxide into the pool last week in an effort to kill the algae.
A spokesperson for the United States Secret Service said the agency did not have personnel in the area, but officers from the U.S. Park Police, Homeland Security Investigations, a branch within Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and National Guard members were photographed near the pool. Officers from the Oklahoma City Police Department, who were deputized to assist local police in America 250 celebrations, were also seen in the area.
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<p>” data-large-file=”https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AP26171631726374.jpg?w=696″ height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AP26171631726374.jpg?w=696″ alt=”Law enforcement patrolling Reflecting Pool” ><figcaption>Oklahoma City Police Department officers, deputized to assist with local law enforcement for events around the 250th anniversary of the U.S., patrol near the area where sections of blue coating have peeled up in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)</figcaption></figure>
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Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, has promised “serious charges” against any individuals who promote algae growth in the Reflecting Pool, and said they will be prosecuted to the “fullest extent.”
Five individuals have been arrested on vandalism charges, and another five people were issued citations, according to an Interior Department spokesperson. There are additional police reports related to vandalism.
TRUMP SAYS 300-FOOT GASH IN REFLECTING POOL IS BEING ‘TAKEN CARE OF’
Trump has attributed at least some of the problems to vandalism rather than construction or maintenance issues, and Pirro has also suggested tampering, saying anyone seen pouring chemicals into the water will be charged.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Park Police, the National Guard, and the DHS for comment.