Six Arrested Over Damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Liner

President Trump said Tuesday that six people have been arrested for damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and seven others were cited. He stated that the damage included a 350-foot gash in the paint and was done purposefully and criminally. Some of the water would be drained either immediately before or after the Fourth of July to complete permanent repairs, Trump added.

The Associated Press verified that one man was arrested after touching already-peeling paint on the liner installed during the renovation. A piece of liner about 4 square feet was observed floating in the pool on Friday, with additional pieces seen on Monday.

A senior administration official told CBS News that five people were arrested for vandalism and five others received citations on Saturday night.

Fourteen police reports were filed, including one describing a 250-foot gash in the pool's facade. The 2,030-foot pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument underwent a renovation costing more than $14 million earlier this month that included a new coat of blue paint. Green algae appeared in the water after refilling.

A university professor identified the species as Desmodesmus on June 16 and stated that it is harmless to humans and animals. National Guard members and U.S. Park Police have been patrolling the area around the pool.

Trump said the Reflecting Pool is beautiful as it can be but will be repaired around July 4.