WASHINGTON, June 29 (DC Times Online) — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal authorities will pursue full prosecution after arrests in connection with alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Burgum said on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend” that investigators believe the damage stretched about 350 feet and was cut with a box cutter or similar sharp instrument. He said the site is being secured and repaired ahead of July 4 festivities.
“When people are attacking it, it is like an attack on our country,” Burgum said, adding that “these are our most sacred monuments” and that those responsible would be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law.”
The Department of the Interior said Thursday there had been seven arrests, seven federal citations and 18 police reports tied to the incident. A National Park Service representative and an Interior Department court filing said the liner at the bottom of the Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor.
Public counts of arrests and citations have varied. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that six people had been arrested and seven others cited, while BBC reported U.S. Park Police said five people had been arrested and five others had received federal citations.
Burgum said fencing had been installed around the Reflecting Pool as the federal government prepared for holiday crowds and fireworks near the monument.
