US Attorney Jeanine Pirro discussed the vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday morning, revealing that at least 14 people have been cited for the damage and that her office is weighing charges that could carry up to ten years in prison.
Large portions of the bottom have been ripped out, and several people have been arrested for the destruction since last week. The National Park Service is now asking for help in identifying at least one vandal who was seen in surveillance video allegedly "destroying and removing a piece of the lining and attempting destruction of the lining."
The Interior Department released footage of the vandals last Tuesday. The National Park Service has stated that the blue sealant at the bottom of the pool was vandalized and "cut with a sharp knife or razor" in recent court filings. It plans to drain the pool and begin repairs after the Fourth of July.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro appeared on Fox News this morning, stating that US Park Police have now cited 14 individuals for destruction of government property. She emphasized that those responsible will be held accountable, saying, "Make no mistake, if you vandalize anything in this district, we're going to prosecute you, and if you destroy the reflecting pool, and if you create a problem that has long-term ramifications, we're going to prosecute you."
Pirro noted that the consequences could range from ten years in prison to a misdemeanor, depending on the "level of damage." She added, "We're assessing those citations now as they come in. We're going to get these people; they're going to be made accountable; we're prosecuting them."
Last week, a company contracted to clean and filter the algae from the Reflecting Pool used "cutting-edge" ozone treatment technology to pump ozone "nano bubbles" throughout the water. This technology, backed by research from Ohio State University and environmental journals, has been effective in removing algae and sediment from the pool, making it possible to see the bottom clearly.
Meanwhile, some individuals have protested the removal of algae in the Reflecting Pool, sparking controversy and debate. However, experts and officials emphasize that the algae removal is necessary to preserve the pool's integrity and ensure its continued use as a public space.
